AI is everywhere. From ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to smart recruitment software and automated customer service. More and more organizations are using artificial intelligence to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
But with this rapid development also comes a growing need for clear rules.
The European Union has laid down these rules in the AI Act: the first comprehensive legislation in the world specifically aimed at artificial intelligence. The first parts of this law are already in effect, and more obligations will follow in the coming years.
The question is no longer whether your organization uses AI, but whether you have sufficient control over how AI is being deployed.
AI offers organizations enormous opportunities, but also carries risks. Think of systems that produce discriminatory outcomes, mislead people, or support decisions without it being clear how those came about.
With the AI Act, Europe wants to ensure that artificial intelligence is deployed safely, transparently and responsibly, without unnecessarily slowing down innovation.
The goal of the law is to create trust. For citizens, because their rights are better protected. For organizations, because clear rules are established for developing and using AI. This creates a shared framework in which innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.
When organizations hear the term AI Act, many people think of legislation that will only become relevant in a few years. However, that is not the case. The AI Regulation is being introduced in phases, and the first obligations already apply.
Since February 2, 2025, certain AI systems with an unacceptable risk have been banned. In addition, organizations that develop or use AI must ensure that employees have sufficient AI literacy. In the years that follow, additional obligations will apply, until the AI Act is fully in force on August 2, 2027.
Date | Key development |
February 2, 2025 | Ban on AI systems and AI literacy obligation |
August 2, 2025 | Rules for providers of General Purpose AI models |
August 2, 2026 | Oversight of high-risk AI systems and transparency obligations |
August 2, 2027 | The AI Regulation is fully in force |
For many organizations, the AI Act still feels like something that mainly applies to large technology companies. Yet organizations that use existing AI tools are also affected by the law.
The AI Act requires organizations to handle the use of AI consciously. This means, among other things, having insight into which AI systems are used within the organization, what risks are involved, and what responsibilities arise from this.
In addition, it is becoming increasingly important to make clear agreements about the use of AI, to ensure human oversight, and to give employees sufficient knowledge to use AI responsibly.
For many organizations, this means that AI is no longer just an IT topic. It affects processes, employees, policy, and ultimately also the way decisions are made.
A common misconception is that the AI Act is only relevant for large tech companies or organizations that develop AI themselves. In reality, the law is much broader in scope. The AI Act focuses on both providers of AI systems and organizations that use these systems. From governments and healthcare institutions to SMEs and commercial organizations.
This means you can also be subject to the AI Act even if you don’t develop your own AI solutions. Do you use AI for writing content, analyzing data, supporting customer service, or screening job applicants? Then it’s wise to know which responsibilities come with that. Read here all about the responsibilities you have as an organization
Providers of AI systems are subject to requirements regarding development, monitoring, and transparency. Organizations that use AI, in turn, have the responsibility to deploy systems in the right way, ensure human oversight, and handle data and AI outcomes with care.
Although the AI Act is being introduced step by step, several important obligations are already in effect. That’s why this is a good time to look at how your organization deals with AI and where potential risks lie.
Good preparation starts with a few practical steps:
By paying attention to these topics now, you prevent AI use within the organization from becoming a collection of separate initiatives. Moreover, you immediately lay a strong foundation for responsible and future-proof AI use.
One of the first obligations under the AI Act is AI literacy. This means that organizations using AI must invest in the knowledge, skills, and awareness of their employees. Curious about what AI literacy actually entails and how Hello AI supports organizations with this?
A good first step is gaining insight into which AI tools are being used within the organization. You can then support employees with guidelines, awareness, and training, so they learn to use AI responsibly.