EU AI Act 2026
What you need to know -- and how to prepare.
Timeline
Aug 2024
EU AI Act enters into forceFeb 2025
Prohibited AI practices applyAug 2025
Rules for General-Purpose AIAug 2026
Full application of all rulesRisk Classes
Prohibited
Social scoring, manipulative AI, biometric mass identification
High Risk
AI in critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement
Limited Risk
Chatbots, deepfakes -- transparency obligations
Minimal Risk
Most AI applications -- no special obligations
Penalties
35 Mio. EUR / 7%for prohibited AI practices
15 Mio. EUR / 3%for violations of obligations
7,5 Mio. EUR / 1,5%for incorrect information to authorities
Prepare Now with HOVIGuard
Documentation of all AI usage through audit trail
Transparency about deployed models and their risk class
Configurable usage policies per team
Traceability of every interaction
EU hosting without third-country transfer