EU AI Act
The European Union's comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, establishing rules based on risk levels. It categorizes AI systems from minimal to unacceptable risk with corresponding compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
The EU AI Act is the world's first comprehensive AI law and will set the global standard. Even non-EU companies must comply if they serve EU customers.
Example
High-risk AI systems (like those used in hiring or credit scoring) must undergo conformity assessments, maintain documentation, and enable human oversight under the Act.
Think of it like...
Like food safety regulations that impose stricter rules on baby food than candy — the higher the risk to people, the more stringent the requirements.
Related Terms
AI Governance
The frameworks, policies, processes, and organizational structures that guide the responsible development, deployment, and monitoring of AI systems within organizations and across society.
AI Regulation
Government rules and legislation governing the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence. AI regulation is rapidly evolving worldwide.
Compliance
The process of ensuring AI systems meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies. AI compliance is becoming increasingly complex as regulations proliferate.
Risk Assessment
The systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential risks associated with an AI system. Risk assessment considers both the likelihood and impact of potential harms.
Transparency
The principle that AI systems should operate in a way that allows stakeholders to understand how they work, what data they use, and how decisions are made.