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The EU AI Act's major enforcement milestone arrives on August 2, 2026, when high-risk AI system requirements become fully applicable. This deadline applies to providers and operators of AI systems used in critical areas including biometric identification, critical infrastructure, education, employment, access to essential services (credit scoring, insurance), law enforcement, migration, and administration of justice. U.S. companies are not exempt—they must comply if their AI systems impact EU residents, regardless of whether the company has a physical presence in the EU. The regulation follows an extraterritorial approach similar to GDPR, applying to any provider placing AI models on the EU market or whose AI output is used in the Union. While the European Parliament recently voted to delay key compliance deadlines to December 2027, this delay requires Council approval before June 2026 to take effect, creating significant uncertainty for businesses planning their compliance strategies. EU Artificial Intelligence Act reported the core details. Holland & Knight noted additional context. DLA Piper added corroborating details.