The AI Act timeline: which obligations by which dates
The AI Act applies in phases: February 2, 2025 for bans and the AI literacy obligation, August 2, 2025 for rules on general-purpose AI models and governance, August 2, 2026 for most obligations including high-risk systems, August 2, 2027 for high-risk systems integrated into already regulated products.
Regulation EU 2024/1689 applies in staggered stages. Having entered into force on August 1, 2024, it deploys its obligations progressively: February 2, 2025 for prohibited practices and the AI literacy obligation, August 2, 2025 for rules on general-purpose AI models and governance, August 2, 2026 for most obligations including a large part of those applicable to high-risk systems, and August 2, 2027 for high-risk systems integrated into products already subject to sectoral regulation. This timeline structures compliance.
Key deadlines
August 1, 2024: entry into force of the regulation.
February 2, 2025: application of prohibitions on unacceptable AI practices and the AI literacy obligation under Article 4.
August 2, 2025: application of rules on general-purpose AI models, governance provisions and the corresponding sanctions regime.
August 2, 2026: general application of the regulation, including a large part of obligations relating to high-risk systems and transparency obligations.
August 2, 2027: application to high-risk systems integrated into products already covered by Union harmonization legislation.
Why a staggered timeline
The legislator wanted to give stakeholders time to prepare, while making the most urgent protections immediately applicable, namely the prohibitions and the AI literacy requirement. The heaviest, most technical and costly obligations apply later.
What this implies
Some protections are already fully in force, notably the prohibitions and AI literacy since February 2025. Others are coming, particularly on August 2, 2026, a major deadline for high-risk systems and transparency of artificial content. Following this timeline allows anticipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the regulation already applicable?
In part. The prohibitions and AI literacy have applied since February 2025.
What is the most important upcoming date?
August 2, 2026, general application of a large part of the obligations.
Where to verify these dates?
The text of Regulation EU 2024/1689 on EUR-Lex specifies the application timeline.
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