EU AI Act Officially Becomes Law, Set for August Enforcement
The European Union publishes its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Act in the Official Journal, officially making it law. The landmark regulation enters into force on August 1, utilizing a risk-based approach to govern AI systems across all member states.
The European Union officially makes its Artificial Intelligence Act a law following its publication in the EU Official Journal on July 12, 2024. This landmark legislation serves as the first comprehensive horizontal legal framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems across all 27 EU member states. The new law enters into force on August 1, 2024, marking a major milestone in global technology regulation.
The regulation takes a risk-based approach to govern the entire lifecycle of various AI systems, spanning 180 recitals and 113 articles. It establishes a harmonized legal framework designed to oversee the development, market placement, putting into service, and use of AI technologies within the bloc. While the law formally takes effect next month, the enforcement of the majority of its provisions is scheduled to begin on August 2, 2026.
Organizations that develop or deploy AI within the European market now face a clear timeline to adapt their operations to these strict new requirements. The phased implementation allows companies time to align their systems with the rules before penalties apply. However, the immediate entry into force means businesses must start their compliance planning now to avoid future disruptions.