The EU AI Act is a comprehensive regulation proposed by the European Commission aimed at ensuring the safe and ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) within the European Union. It introduces a risk-based approach to AI governance, categorizing AI systems into four risk levels: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal risk. The Act imposes strict requirements on high-risk AI systems, which include critical infrastructure, biometric identification, management and operation of critical infrastructure, education, and employment, among others. These systems are subject to obligations related to data and data governance, technical documentation, transparency, and human oversight to ensure compliance with fundamental rights and safety standards.

The Act also outlines specific prohibitions for AI practices considered to pose an unacceptable risk, such as social scoring, exploitation of vulnerabilities, and subliminal manipulation. For AI systems that fall under the limited or minimal risk categories, the Act imposes transparency obligations, ensuring users are informed about their interaction with an AI system. The regulation emphasizes the importance of human oversight, ensuring that AI systems support human decision-making rather than replace it.

The EU AI Act represents a significant step towards harmonizing AI regulation across member states, promoting innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights and safety. It aims to foster trust in AI technologies among citizens and businesses, ensuring that AI development aligns with EU values and ethical standards. By establishing a clear legal framework, the Act seeks to enhance legal certainty for AI developers and users, facilitating the growth of a competitive and trustworthy AI market in the EU.