The EU AI Act enters its enforcement phase
Transparency duties now apply, while high-risk deadlines extend into 2027 and 2028.
What changed
From 2 August 2026, the European Commission’s AI Office and national authorities began enforcing parts of the AI Act. Transparency requirements for certain interactive and synthetic-content systems also became applicable.
The Commission says specified high-risk use rules apply from 2 December 2027, while rules for high-risk systems embedded in regulated products apply from 2 August 2028.
What builders should do
Map each system’s purpose, users, provider, data, oversight and disclosure. Identify the role the company plays and obtain legal advice for material use cases.
The law will continue to develop through guidance, standards and enforcement. Build a review process rather than relying on a one-time memo.
Inventory first, classify with counsel and preserve evidence.
Sources and review
Fact-checked against the cited primary sources on 1 October 2026.
- AI Act regulatory framework — European Commission
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