AIDive
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What is AI Act (EU)

GlossaryAI in Society

A European regulation that introduces risk-based rules for the development, sale and use of AI systems.

Definition

The EU AI Law regulates AI according to the level of risk: some practices are prohibited, strict obligations are introduced for high-risk systems, and transparency requirements are required for some generative models. For companies, this is not just a legal term, but a guideline on how to document data, control risks and explain the operation of AI services.

Example

A service that helps screen job candidates may fall into a high-risk area and require documentation, quality control, and human oversight.

Why it matters

The term is important for businesses that use or sell AI in Europe: requirements can influence the choice of tools, contracts, security and documentation.

How it works

The Regulation applies a risk category approach. The greater the potential impact on people's rights, safety, or access to essential services, the greater the demands on the system developer and user.

Where it is used

  • legal assessment of AI service
  • compliance for AI product
  • documentation and risk management

Limitations

The rules are being introduced in stages, and application details may be clarified. Specific decisions require legal review and tracking of current clarifications.