What about generative AI? The laws early versions centered on AI systems that carry out limited tasks, like reviewing employment information and job applications. But general AI models, like OpenAIs ChatGPT, forced EU officials to add rules for generative AI models. AI chatbot systems that can produce lifelike responses, images and more are examples of generative AI models. Developers of general purpose AI models will have to provide detailed descriptions of the writings, pictures, video and other data on the internet that was used to train the systems. They must also follow EU copyright law. AI-generated pictures, video or audio of existing people, places or events must be labeled as artificially produced. These sorts of media are known as deepfakes because they appear to show real people doing or saying things that are not real. There are reportedly extra rules for the biggest and most powerful AI models that carry systemic risks. Those include OpenAIs GPT4 and Googles Gemini.

What do Europes rules mean? The EU first suggested AI regulations in 2019. Europe was quick to propose rules for the new and developing industry. In the U.S., President Joe Biden signed an executive order on AI in October. The U.S. Congress is likely to propose legislation. Lawmakers in at least seven U.S. states are working on their own AI legislation. And international agreements are possible too. Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed his Global AI Governance Initiative for fair and safe use of AI. Other major countries, including Brazil and Japan, are developing rules, as well as the United Nations and Group of Seven industrialized nations. What happens next? The AI Act is expected to officially become law by May or June, after approval from EU member countries. Rules will start taking effect slowly. Countries will be required to ban unapproved AI systems six months after the law takes effect.

Rules for general purpose AI systems like chatbots will start going into effect in one year. By the middle of 2026, the complete set of regulations, including requirements for high-risk systems, will be in effect. Each EU country will set up their own AI enforcement agency. Citizens can make a complaint if they think they have been the victim of a violation of the rules. And the EU will create an AI Office that will oversee the law for general purpose AI systems. Violations of the AI Act could be punished with a fine of up to $38 million, or seven percent of a companys worldwide revenue.