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The European AI law comes into force, which will mostly start to be applied in 2026

by AI | 01.Aug 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Spain celebrates the entry into force of the European AI law, which “ensures the development of ethical and responsible AI”, while also promoting “the productivity gains that cutting-edge technologies entail”.

Artificial intelligence makes new computer technologies possible. Photo: Artificial intelligence making new computer technologies possible Photo: Nicoelnino / Zuma Press / ContactoPhoto

Brussels  –  The European Artificial Intelligence Act, the world’s first global regulation on this technology, came into effect this Thursday, August 1, but most of the provisions will begin to be applied on August 2, 2026, as the European Commission warns in a statement.

The regulation is designed to ensure that AI developed and used in the European Union (EU) is “reliable,” therefore incorporating various safeguards to protect fundamental human rights.

“The regulation aims to establish a harmonized internal market for AI in the EU, encouraging the adoption of this technology and creating a favorable environment for innovation and investment,” stated the European Commission.

In this regard, the regulation establishes different levels of risk for AI systems, ranging from ‘minimal’ to ‘unacceptable’.

The European Commission has emphasized that fines will be imposed on companies that do not comply with the rules, which could amount to up to 7% of their global annual turnover for violations of prohibited AI applications, up to 3% for failing to meet other obligations, and up to 1.5% for providing incorrect information.

EU member states have until August 2, 2025, to designate the competent national authorities to supervise the application of the rules applicable to AI systems and carry out market surveillance activities.

However, prohibitions on AI systems deemed to present “unacceptable risk” will be applied within six months, while rules for so-called general-purpose AI models will be applied within 12 months.

The Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function of Spain has welcomed the entry into force of the European regulation on AI.

“Today the Artificial Intelligence Act comes into force in Europe! A pioneering framework that ensures the development of ethical and responsible AI while boosting the productivity gains that cutting-edge technologies entail,” valued the ministry headed by Minister José Luis Escrivá in a message published on the social network X. (August 1)