Open data and AI: An update on the AI Act

On 1 August 2024, the Artificial Intelligence Act entered into force in the European Union. Designed to promote the safe and trustworthy development and deployment of AI in the EU, the Act introduces a risk-based approach, categorising AI systems into four risk levels: minimal, limited, high, and unacceptable. While full enforcement of the AI Act will begin in August 2026, certain provisions will take effect earlier, starting in February 2025.

From February 2025, the AI Act will prohibit AI systems that present an unacceptable risk, including those that pose clear threats to people’s safety, rights, and livelihoods (e.g., social scoring systems). Additionally, governance rules and obligations for general-purpose AI models will take effect after 12 months, while regulations for AI systems integrated into regulated products will be enforced after 36 months. To support this transition, the European Commission launched the AI Pact, a voluntary initiative encouraging AI developers to comply with the Act’s requirements in advance. 

As technology evolves rapidly, it is crucial to stay informed about the legislative changes responding to these developments. The implementation of the AI Act will impact data providers and users who must comply with the new regulations. At data.europa.eu, we recognise the importance of adhering to these requirements to ensure the ethical and transparent use of data and AI. Last year, we hosted a series of panel discussions exploring the intersection of AI and open data, examining the implications of the Act for the open data community. 

To stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and the AI Act, keep an eye on data.europa.eu!

For more news and events, follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter.