The EU AI Act Is Now in Force

The bulk of the EU AI Act’s obligations came into force on August 2, 2026. Described as the world’s first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, the act was passed in 2024 and has been rolling out in phases.

Who This Affects

The EU AI Act impacts companies in Europe and any company worldwide that builds or uses AI tools that touch European users. The scope is intentionally broad, extending the regulation’s reach across borders.

What This Means Now

With the core obligations now active, organisations must ensure their AI systems comply with the act’s requirements. The phased rollout means compliance obligations have been gradually introduced, but today marks a significant inflection point for the AI industry globally.

Source: Useful Newsletter (Substack)