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The EU Artificial Intelligence Act enters full force on August 2, 2026, marking the deadline for compliance with high-risk AI system requirements. Adopted on May 21, 2024, the Act establishes the world's first comprehensive AI regulatory framework based on a risk-oriented structure. AI systems that significantly impact fundamental rights face stricter requirements or prohibition. Key obligations include transparency rules, human oversight, and conformity assessments. Non-compliance can result in administrative fines up to €35 million or 6% of global annual turnover. MEPs have debated postponing certain high-risk AI system rules given that key standards may not be finalized by the deadline. The regulation introduces a graduated approach, differentiating AI systems by potential harm rather than targeting specific technologies. Providers and deployers must classify their AI products as high-risk or prohibited practices under Article 5, which lists exhaustively prohibited AI practices including social scoring of natural persons. Tech Law Blog reported the core details. European Parliament noted additional context. Axis Intelligence added corroborating details.