The European Union regulates artificial intelligence starting from August 2, 2026

The European Union will start, from August 2, 2026, the implementation of a new phase of the Regulation on artificial intelligence (AI Act), which introduces transparency obligations for providers and users of artificial intelligence systems.

The European Commission, through the AI Office, will implement new transparency obligations that will help users identify AI-generated content and reduce the risks of manipulation. Among the new rules is the requirement for chatbots to inform users that they are interacting with an AI system, and deepfakes must be properly labeled. The Commission has published a list of over 180 organizations that have signed the Code of Good Practices for Transparency. The AI Office will have oversight responsibilities over providers of general-purpose AI models, with additional obligations to limit systemic risks. Additionally, systems that manipulate users or endanger fundamental rights will be prohibited.

The enforcement of the rules will be ensured by the AI Office, national authorities, and the European Data Protection Authority. A Scientific Group made up of independent experts will support the Office, coordinated by Professor Alessandro Abate from the University of Oxford.