All these new AI rules can sound a bit much. But really, it’s just a way of keeping things fair and safe. The EU has brought in the first big law for AI. The idea is simple: the bigger the risk, the stricter the rules.
If you use AI in your work, or you’re just curious, this Act is your guide. It shows you where to tread carefully and where you’re free to carry on as usual.
Why it matters
The law came into force on 1 August 2024. AI isn’t something waiting in the wings — it’s already here, shaping schools, hospitals, jobs and even adverts.
But not all AI carries the same weight. A spam filter? That’s a small nuisance. An AI deciding who gets a job or a loan? That’s a much bigger deal and needs more careful handling.
And here’s the point: Even if your business isn’t based in the EU, if your AI is used there, you still have to follow the rules (AI Act, Art. 2).
Four levels of risk
Picture a pyramid. At the top are the strictest rules, at the bottom it’s much lighter.
- Unacceptable risk — BANNED (Art. 5). These are AIs that cross the line, like social scoring or systems designed to trick people, sometimes called manipulative or “dark-pattern” AI.
- High risk — STRICT RULES (Art. 6 & Annex III). These include systems used in education, jobs, and healthcare. They need solid checks, proper documentation, and a human in charge. Providers must meet these standards in full by 2nd August 2026.
- Limited risk — BE CLEAR (Art. 52). Chatbots, AI-generated images, or deepfakes fall here. People simply need to be told they’re dealing with AI, not a human. These transparency rules start 2 August 2025.
- Minimal risk — ALL GOOD (Art. 69). Everyday tools like spam filters or AI in video games. No extra requirements, though the law “encourages” voluntary codes of practice.
What about the UK?
The UK has its own five “principles” for AI. But if you’re working with the EU — and plenty of us are — their rules are the ones you’ll need to follow.
People need AI know-how too
From 2 February 2025, it’s not only about the tech. The people using AI need to understand the basics too. Article 4 sets this out as “AI literacy.” In practice, that means knowing:
- What AI can and can’t do,
- The basics of how it works,
- And who it could affect.
Think of it like a fire drill: the experts handle the tricky stuff, but everyone in the building needs to know the basics. The same goes for AI (Art. 4).
How to get prepared
Here’s where to start:
- List your AI. Know what you’re using and which risk group it falls into (unacceptable, high, limited, or minimal risk).
- Write it down. Create a simple AI policy that shows how you’ll use it responsibly, and be clear where AI is in play.
- Check your data. Good data makes strong AI; bad data makes for risks (Annex IV).
- Train your team. Everyone should understand the basics, from the front desk to the boardroom. Clarity is a huge part of the new AI laws. (Art.4)
Key dates to keep in mind:
- 1 August 2024 – The start of the AI Act.
- 2 February 2025 – Work teams need AI know how, the ban on unacceptable AI begins.
- 2 August 2025 – Transparency rules for limited-risk AI start.
- 2 August 2026 – High-risk AI must fully comply.
Tech Educators 🤝 AI
At Tech Educators, this is what we do. We make AI clear, practical, and hands-on. Our bootcamps get your team AI-ready and meet that Article 4 requirement.
- AI Literacy Bootcamp — The basics, explained simply. Easy for beginners, confidence-boosting for everyone.
- Digital Marketing with AI Bootcamp — For marketers who want to work faster and smarter without cutting corners.
- Leadership & Management Bootcamp — For leaders planning the big picture and making AI part of the team’s toolkit.
You also receive templates, checklists, and a community to lean on. It’s the full toolkit — not just to keep up, but to get ahead, which is a powerful thing to have in such a fast-growing tech world.
The bottom line
The EU AI Act isn’t there to trip you up. Think of it more like guardrails on a bridge — it helps you get across safely while still moving forward.
For businesses, it’s also a chance to build trust and show you’re leading the way.
So, the real question is: will these rules be a roadblock, or your chance to get ahead of the pack? And how will you prepare for the new laws?
About the Author
Liv Johnson is our Marketing & UX Executive with a background in user experience and product design. A recent graduate with a First Class BSc in User Experience Design, Liv has a passion for bringing websites to life with motion. She is currently focused on marketing and developing the Tech Educators website, drawing on her experience from previous internships and freelance work.
