On 2 February 2025, the European Union (EU) began applying the first provisions of the AI Act (AI Act), an innovative regulation that classifies artificial intelligence systems according to their level of risk. This law aims to establish a legal framework to ensure that AI is developed and used with respect for fundamental rights, safety and ethical considerations.
What is prohibited in Europe
EU AI law strictly prohibits certain applications deemed too risky or unethical. These include:
1. AI exploiting human vulnerabilities
- AI systems must not manipulate individuals by exploiting their emotions, disability or socio-economic status.
2. Social scoring and mass biometric surveillance
- The EU is banning social rating systems, similar to those used in China, which assign scores to individuals based on their behaviour or social interactions. This ban is intended to protect privacy and prevent automated discrimination.
- Excessive biometric surveillance, such as facial recognition in public spaces without legal justification.
3. Recognising emotions at work and in education
- In order to prevent bias and manipulation, the assessment of emotions by AI during recruitment or in schools is now prohibited.
These prohibitions are designed to protect fundamental rights and to make AI a tool for innovation rather than a means of control.
New obligations for companies
For companies operating in the EU, AI compliance involves several key responsibilities:
1. Transparency requirements
- Any AI interacting with the public must clearly indicate that it is an AI and not a human.
- AI-generated content must be identifiable to prevent misinformation.
2. Documentation and audits for high-risk AIs
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using high-risk AI must prove their compliance with European standards.
- Regular audits and detailed documentation of AI systems will be required to ensure accountability.
3. Mandatory AI training
- Employees using AI must receive appropriate training to understand its capabilities, limitations and ethical implications.
- Companies need to invest in AI education to ensure compliance and responsible use.
The rising cost of AI tools
As AI evolves, companies are increasingly relying on AI-based tools for tasks such as image generation, LinkedIn publication automation, wireframing, audio editing and avatar creation. However, the cost of these tools is becoming a major issue, with some companies spending hundreds of euros per tool.
AI as an investment
- AI tools save time and are therefore a worthwhile investment.
- Companies need to assess whether AI can replace manual tasks and optimise workflows.
- Opting for multifunctional AI tools reduces software costs while maintaining efficiency.
Why did we create Vitamin AI?
At Iterates, we have designed Vitamin AI to meet the growing needs of businesses for artificial intelligence, while keeping costs under control. Rather than accumulating several expensive tools for specific tasks such as content generation, marketing automation or data analysis, Vitamin AI combines these functionalities into a single intuitive, high-performance application. With this solution, businesses can optimise their processes, improve productivity and benefit from the latest advances in AI without blowing their budget.
What's next?
As AI regulation evolves, businesses need to stay informed and adapt. The AI Act is just the start of a global movement towards more ethical use of AI.
To find out more about AI trends and compliance, read our article on the essential AI tools for UI/UX design.
Need help navigating AI regulations? Contact us today to ensure your company's compliance!
