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Artificial intelligence

Find out how the EU is ensuring that AI systems are safe and respect the EU's fundamental rights and values.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world by fuelling innovation, boosting efficiency and enhancing everyday life.

The EU and its member states have pioneered the world's first law to address AI's potential risks while promoting its use.

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The AI act - the world's first law on artificial intelligence

The AI act addresses the risks associated with specific uses of AI, categorising them into four levels of risk and establishing different rules accordingly:

  • video games, spam filters: not regulated
  • chatbots: transparency obligations
  • use in transport, recruitment, granting of loans: strict requirements
  • social scoring, facial recognition: banned
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Understanding artificial intelligence

AI is transforming society and the economy. The EU aims to ensure that AI is human-centric and trustworthy.

Some AI systems can pose risks. The AI act ensures that AI is used safely and in line with EU values and fundamental rights.

Other EU policies on AI development and use

Small companies and start-ups now have access to European supercomputers to develop and test AI technologies.

Digital labour platforms use algorithms to manage workers. New rules require that workers be notified about automated monitoring and decision-making.

AI act: what to expect in daily life

The European Union is actively working on improving the digital environment for the benefit of all Europeans. Our digital life needs to be safe, easy and respectful of basic freedoms.

Read our feature story to discover how the EU is creating a common eID, wants rules for ensuring a safe and trustworthy AI and is facilitating health data sharing in the European health data space.

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Last review: 15 April 2026