EU Releases Compliance Guidelines for AI Act
On July 15, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, designed to assist businesses in aligning with the regulatory standards set forth by the EU AI Act. This voluntary code of practice emerges as the EU approaches a significant enforcement milestone, marking a pivotal step in the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe.
Dive Brief
The General-Purpose AI Code of Practice was developed by a team of 13 independent experts, with contributions from over 1,000 stakeholders. This collaborative effort resulted in practical tools aimed at ensuring compliance with key regulatory requirements. Specifically, the code addresses crucial areas such as transparency, copyright, and safety and security.
One notable feature of the transparency chapter is the inclusion of a model documentation form, which provides guidance on the information required for mandatory reporting. This resource aims to streamline the compliance process for businesses, making it easier to understand their obligations under the AI Act.
Upon official endorsement by the member states and the Commission, businesses will have the opportunity to sign on voluntarily to this code of conduct. By doing so, they can reduce administrative burdens and enhance legal certainty compared to other compliance methods.
Dive Insight
The introduction of the code of conduct occurs as the EU is rapidly advancing towards full enforcement of the AI Act. The upcoming compliance milestone is set for August 2, 2025, when the act’s rules regarding general-purpose AI will take effect. Models developed post this date will be granted a one-year compliance window, while those created prior will have two years to meet the new regulations.
Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice President for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of this publication. She stated that it represents a significant step toward ensuring that the most advanced AI models available in Europe are not only innovative but also safe and transparent.
Enterprises and AI providers are encouraged to utilize the code of conduct in their compliance efforts, alongside additional guidance scheduled for release before the August 2025 deadline. However, some industry groups and AI providers have expressed concerns regarding the regulatory landscape. Calls have been made for clearer guidance and a reduction of the current regulatory complexities.
Boniface de Champris, senior policy manager at the Computer and Communications Industry Association Europe, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He noted that critical components of the GPAI framework, such as guidelines on rule application from the AI Office, are still pending. With limited time remaining, businesses are left uncertain, underscoring the need for a comprehensive framework to ensure a fair compliance period.
As the EU moves forward with its AI regulations, the release of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice marks a crucial development in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance in Europe.
