What Is the EU AI Act?
The European Union's landmark AI law, what it covers, and why U.S. companies are paying attention.
The basics
The EU AI Act is the first comprehensive law governing artificial intelligence by a major jurisdiction. Adopted in 2024, it is being phased in through 2027. It classifies AI systems by risk and applies stricter rules to higher-risk uses.
How it works
Most everyday AI uses face minimal new rules. "High-risk" systems — those used in hiring, credit, medical devices, critical infrastructure, and certain law-enforcement tasks — must meet documentation, testing, and human-oversight requirements. A small number of uses (such as social scoring by governments) are banned outright.
Why U.S. voters should care
Companies that operate in Europe must comply, which often means designing global products to EU standards. The law is also a reference point for U.S. state AI laws and for the federal preemption debate.
Further reading
Last updated May 2026