Who does the AI Act really apply to
An analysis of the wide scope of application of the AI Act, which goes beyond companies that develop AI and involves all actors in the AI ecosystem, with extraterritorial implications.
Introduction
One of the most relevant aspects of the AI Act concerns its wide scope of application.
The regulation is not limited to regulating companies that develop artificial intelligence systems.
On the contrary, it involves various actors who participate in the development and use chain of these technologies.
Main actors of the regulation
The Artificial Intelligence Act identifies several key roles within the AI ecosystem.
Among the main ones we find:
providers, who develop or place AI systems on the market
deployers, who use AI systems in their activities
importers and distributors, who make AI systems available on the European market.
Each role entails different responsibilities and obligations.
Extraterritorial application
A particularly important element is the extraterritorial character of the regulation.
The AI Act can also apply to companies that are not based in the European Union.
This happens when:
an AI system is placed on the European market
or its results are used within the EU.
Conclusion
For many organizations, the first challenge is not technical compliance, but understanding if and how the regulation applies to their activities.