The EU's AI Act: The First Obligations Take Effect

The EU AI Act came into force on 1 August 2024, and the first obligations now apply, having taken effect on 2 February 2025. These obligations relate to promoting artificial intelligence ('AI') literacy on the one hand and banning certain AI practices on the other. From 2 August 2026, most obligations must be complied with by organisations covered by the Act.

With the AI Act, the EU aims to create a uniform legal framework for the development, placing on the market, putting into service and use of AI systems within the EU. This is being done in accordance with the EU's values; namely to promote the uptake of human-centric and trustworthy AI, whilst ensuring a high level of protection of health, safety and fundamental rights as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the 'Charter').