OpenAI has published a preliminary overview of the EU AI Act, a landmark regulatory framework set to govern artificial intelligence across the European Union. This primer is crucial for AI providers and deployers navigating the new compliance landscape. The Act introduces a risk-based classification system, and OpenAI's analysis specifically highlights 'prohibited' and 'high-risk' use cases.

Prohibited practices include real-time biometric identification in public spaces and manipulative subliminal techniques, which will be banned outright. High-risk AI systems—those used in critical infrastructure, education, or law enforcement—face stringent obligations regarding data quality, transparency, and human oversight. Understanding these categories is vital, as violations can lead to fines up to 7% of global turnover.

As the Act's phased implementation approaches, companies must audit their AI portfolios to ensure they meet these rigorous standards, shifting the industry toward a compliance-first approach.