The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) has introduced a groundbreaking regulatory framework for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models, set to reshape the development, deployment, and governance of these powerful technologies. GPAI models, including foundation models and generative AI, are now subject to stringent requirements, focusing on transparency, copyright compliance, and risk mitigation. As of August 2, 2025, providers of GPAI models must maintain detailed technical documentation, provide information to downstream users, implement a copyright policy, and publish a training data summary.
The EU AI Act categorizes GPAI models based on their risk level, with those presenting systemic risks facing additional regulatory obligations, such as mandatory model evaluations, adversarial testing, and minimum cybersecurity requirements. This risk-based approach aims to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that GPAI models are developed and deployed responsibly. The Act also establishes the AI Office, a new regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance, and a scientific panel to advise on systemic risks.
The implications of the EU AI Act are far-reaching, affecting not only EU-based companies but also global providers of GPAI models. The regulation sets a precedent for other regions, influencing the development of AI governance worldwide. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the EU AI Act serves as a benchmark for responsible AI development, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and human oversight.
