The European Union's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, enacted in 2024, represents the world's first comprehensive legal framework for AI. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure that AI systems within the EU are developed and employed in an ethical and transparent manner that respects fundamental human rights. The Act categorizes AI applications based on their risk levels and imposes corresponding regulatory requirements. High-risk AI systems, such as those used in critical infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement, are subject to stringent obligations, including robust data governance, transparency, and human oversight. Conversely, low-risk AI applications are subject to lighter regulations. The AI Act also prohibits certain AI practices deemed unacceptable, such as social scoring by governments and real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces. To oversee compliance, the Act establishes a new EU AI Office responsible for monitoring and enforcing the regulations across member states. By implementing these measures, the AI Act aims to foster innovation while safeguarding public trust and safety. The majority of the Act's requirements will not come into effect until 2026.
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