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What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act is a European Union law that sets rules for AI, with stricter rules for uses that carry more risk.
- Category Safety & law
- Also called AI Act
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
EU AI Act, explained simply
The EU AI Act is a law for AI in the European Union. It sorts AI uses by how risky they are.
Low-risk uses face few rules. Higher-risk uses, like tools that affect jobs or safety, have more duties. Some uses are banned.
It can matter even if you live elsewhere. Companies that sell to people in the EU may have to follow it. This isn't legal advice.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news stories sometimes cover how the EU AI Act affects companies and tools.
Related terms
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Questions people ask about EU AI Act
Does the EU AI Act apply outside Europe?
It can, if a company offers its AI to people in the EU. Rules depend on the case, and this isn't legal advice.
EU AI Act vs GDPR: what is the difference?
The AI Act covers how AI systems are built and used. GDPR covers how personal data is handled.
Does the EU AI Act ban AI?
No. It bans a few harmful uses and puts rules on risky ones. Most AI uses face light rules.