EU AI Act
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) is the European Union’s comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure that artificial intelligence systems are developed and used in a safe, transparent, and trustworthy way.
What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act is the world’s first major legal framework specifically governing artificial intelligence. Adopted by the European Parliament in 2024, the regulation categorizes AI systems based on risk levels—unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal—and establishes compliance obligations accordingly.
It applies to both public and private entities developing, deploying, or using AI systems in the EU, regardless of where they are based. High-risk AI systems, such as those used in recruitment, credit scoring, or healthcare, must meet strict requirements for transparency, human oversight, accuracy, and accountability.
The Act complements existing EU laws, including the GDPR, by introducing governance measures that focus specifically on AI safety, fairness, and ethical deployment.
Why the EU AI Act matters
The EU AI Act sets a global precedent for responsible AI governance by combining innovation with accountability. It ensures that AI technologies respect human rights, prevent discrimination, and promote public trust.
For organizations, compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic advantage—demonstrating a commitment to ethical AI and regulatory readiness.
The Act also introduces significant penalties for non-compliance, with fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global annual turnover, making proactive governance and transparency critical.
How the EU AI Act is used in practice
- Conducting AI impact assessments (AIIAs) for high-risk AI systems
- Documenting model training data, risk mitigation, and testing procedures
- Implementing governance and monitoring controls for human oversight
- Ensuring transparency through clear labeling of AI-generated content
- Aligning AI ethics and governance programs with regulatory obligations
- Collaborating with compliance teams to prepare technical documentation for audits
Related laws & standards
- EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act)
- EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Digital Services Act (DSA)
- Digital Markets Act (DMA)
- ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management System Standard)
How OneTrust helps with the EU AI Act
OneTrust enables organizations to operationalize EU AI Act compliance by assessing AI risks, documenting model decisions, and maintaining transparency across data and algorithmic processes. The platform supports high-risk AI classification, evidence collection, and policy enforcement.
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FAQs about the EU AI Act
The EU AI Act applies to AI providers, deployers, importers, and distributors operating in or serving users within the EU, regardless of geographic location.
High-risk systems include those used in employment, credit scoring, education, law enforcement, or healthcare—areas where incorrect outcomes could harm individuals or society.
While the GDPR regulates how personal data is processed, the EU AI Act governs how AI systems use that data responsibly—ensuring fairness, explainability, and human oversight.
