EU AI Act Enters Vigor and Sets New Global Standard of Regulation

European Union Initiates Implementation of the Most Rigorous Regulatory Framework for AI

The European Union initiated the implementation of the AI Act, the most comprehensive legislation on artificial intelligence in the world, approved by the European Parliament in March 2024. The Regulation establishes a gradual implementation schedule that will extend until 2027, when all the provisions will be fully in force.

The AI Act represents a fundamental change in global technological governance, creating specific obligations for companies that develop or use artificial intelligence systems in the European market. Experts in digital law consider this legislation a watershed that will influence regulations on other continents.

Implementation Schedule and Main Requirements

The Regulation follows a timetable for staggered implementation. The first prohibitions, related to AI systems considered unacceptable (such as government social score and subliminal manipulation), came into force six months after the official publication. The requirements for general purpose AI models begin to be valid 12 months after publication, while the full obligations for high risk systems will apply in up to 36 months.

Among the main requirements established are detailed technical documentation, compliance assessments for high-risk systems, mandatory transparency on the use of AI in user interactions, and robust mechanisms of human supervision in critical applications such as health, education, law enforcement and human resources management.

Penalty Structure Establishes Precedence

Although it has not yet imposed fines (given the current implementation period), the AI Act establishes penalties that can reach 35 million euros or 7% of a company's annual overall revenue, whichever is greater. For violations of specific prohibitions, fines may reach maximum values, while high-risk system obligations offences have penalties of up to EUR 15 million or 3% of overall revenue.

This structure of substantial penalties demonstrates the seriousness with which Europe deals with AI regulation and is already motivating global technology companies to accelerate compliance processes even before the final implementation deadline.

Risk Classification as a Regulatory Pillar

The AI Act adopts a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into four levels: unacceptable risk (prohibited), high risk (strict regulation), limited risk (requirements for transparency) and minimum risk (without specific regulation).

High risk systems include applications in critical infrastructure, vocational education and training, employment, public and private essential services, law enforcement, migration management, and justice administration. Each category faces specific compliance, documentation and supervision requirements.

Global Impact and Regulatory Precedence

Just as the European GDPR has influenced privacy laws globally, experts predict that the AI Act will become an international reference for artificial intelligence governance. Brazil, the United States, China and other countries already develop or discuss their own regulations, carefully observing the European model.

Brazil, in particular, discusses its own regulatory framework for AI in the National Congress, with proposals that incorporate elements similar to those of the AI Act, including risk classification and transparency requirements.

Business Preparation is Fundamental

For organizations that develop or use AI systems, experts recommend immediate action. Companies operating in the European market or planning expansion should initiate processes of AI mapping systems, risk classification, implementation of appropriate technical documentation and establishment of human supervision mechanisms.

Specialized consultants report a significant increase in demand for adequacy services to the AI Act. The consensus between lawyers and consultants is that the cost of proactive compliance is substantially lower than potential future fines and reputational damages.

Implementation of the IA Act officially marks the beginning of a new era in global technological regulation, where artificial intelligence moves from partially regulated territory to sector with structured governance and defined supervision.