What small teams and creators should do now

What small teams and creators should do now

TL;DR: The AI Act entered into force on Aug 1, 2024. Bans on certain AI practices apply since Feb 2, 2025; GPAI obligations are live since Aug 2, 2025. Most other rules kick in Aug 2, 2026, with some high-risk obligations stretching to Aug 2, 2027. Start with inventory, transparency, and lightweight risk controls.

Why it matters right now

  • The deadlines are fixed—the Commission confirmed the timeline despite calls to delay. Reuters

  • For General-Purpose AI (GPAI), guidance and a voluntary Code of Practice are out to help show compliance. Digitale Strategie Europa+1

  • Fines can reach up to €35M or 7% of global turnover for serious violations. (Stick to proportionate, documented controls.)

Key dates (as of Sept 2025)

Am I affected?

Yes, if you:

  • Use AI features in your app/shop (recommendations, moderation, chatbots).

  • Publish or sell AI-generated content.

  • Train or fine-tune models yourself.
    If you’re a GPAI provider (or rely on one), check the new GPAI guidelines to understand what “transparency, safety, and documentation” mean in practice. Digitale Strategie Europa

7-step quick checklist (practical & lightweight)

  1. AI inventory
    List every AI feature: purpose, inputs, outputs, vendor/model. Keep it to one page per feature.

  2. Risk notes
    Write a short note on misuse, failure modes, bias risks, and how users can report issues.

  3. User transparency
    Tell users where AI is used and how to reach a human when needed. (Simple UI copy is fine.)

  4. Data hygiene
    Minimise personal data, log only what you need for safety/quality, set retention windows.

  5. Vendor diligence
    Ask vendors for model cards/docs; align with the GPAI Code of Practice where possible. Digitale Strategie Europa

  6. UI failsafes
    Add “AI can be wrong” hints, easy report buttons, and opt-outs for personalisation.

  7. Team literacy
    Give your staff a 30-minute brief on AI risks, labeling, and incident reporting.

Copy-paste notice (you can use this verbatim)

AI notice: This feature uses AI and may be inaccurate. Need help or want a human review? Contact support—we’re happy to assist.

Bottom line

You don’t need a legal department to start. A clear feature inventory, a page of risk notes, and transparent UI copy already cover most of the journey—and put you on track for the 2026/2027 milestones. Künstliche Intelligenz Gesetz EU

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