Strasbourg, France – In a parliamentary vote, the European Parliament has approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, establishing the world’s first major regulatory framework for this powerful technology.
The European Parliament has adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act, a comprehensive legal framework designed to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI while keeping innovation.
The law aims to ensure that AI systems respect fundamental rights, safety, and ethical principles and address risks posed by powerful AI models.
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Key provisions of the AI Act
The Act categorizes AI technologies based on risk, with strict bans on practices deemed “unacceptable” and stringent oversight for high-risk systems.
The EU has delivered. We have linked AI to the fundamental values that form the basis of our societies.”
Dragos Tudorache, co-rapporteur for the Civil Liberties Committee.
Key provisions of the AI Act include:
- Bans on prohibited practices within six months
- Establishment of codes of conduct and regulations for general-purpose AI
- A longer grace period of 36 months for businesses developing high-risk AI systems to comply
The regulation also introduces transparency requirements for general-purpose AI systems, mandates clear labeling of deepfakes, and establishes regulatory sandboxes for innovation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The AI Act is expected to enter into force at the end of the legislative term in May, with staggered implementation starting from 2025.
It is the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.
The approval of the AI Act is a significant milestone in the regulation of AI, addressing the balance between innovation and the protection of citizens’ rights.
