Yesterday, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (‘AI Act’) was signed into law.

The AI Act will impose obligations on both private and public sector actors which provide, import, distribute, or deploy in-scope AI systems. It also contains obligations which apply in connection with general-purpose AI models.

The AI Act has explicit extra-territorial effect, which means that – under certain conditions – even companies without a physical presence in the EU may be subject to the AI Act.

The AI Act will be published in the EU’s Official Journal – likely in July 2024 – and will enter into force 20 days after its publication. After that date, the AI Act will become applicable in a phased manner, with different transition periods applying in connection with different obligations.

The Alston & Bird Privacy, Cyber and Data Strategy Team will shortly publish a client advisory explaining the AI Act in more detail. 

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