The AI ​​Act comes into play: don't panic, here's how to survive and thrive in the world of regulated AI

Sunday is D-Day: the AI ​​Act officially comes into force. Can you already imagine the regulatory sirens, the offices on fire and your developers trying to code compliance solutions at the last minute? Take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the world – far from it.

If you are an AI startup operating in Europe (or targeting the European market), it is likely that these new rules will not disrupt your daily life as much as you fear. So, let’s get this straight: what does this mean for you? What should you really do? And why should you view all of this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle? Make yourself comfortable, because we're going to play it all down.

The AI ​​Act for dummies: a quick reminder of the basics

What is the AI ​​Act? Basically, this is the European Union's attempt to take the lead in regulating AI. Rather than letting the technological Wild West develop, Europe has decided to set clear limits on what is acceptable and what is not. We therefore have a list of “what to do” and, above all, a list of “what absolutely should not be done”.

Current priorities? These are mainly the “unacceptable” uses of AI:

• Manipulation of public opinion or a group of people.

• Evaluating or rating citizens in a discriminatory manner.

• Facial or biometric recognition without authorization.

• Abusive emotional identification (yes, your software that detects if the customer is sad or angry is in the viewfinder).

In other words, unless you're developing a tool for mass emotional espionage (and in that case, we have other things to discuss), you have a good chance of being relatively safe for now.

Who is affected? Spoiler: not everyone

Are you a startup that develops AI models or tools using AI? Yes, you are probably affected. But before panicking, know that this first wave of regulation mainly targets the most extreme and sensitive uses. If your product helps salespeople sell, optimizes supply chains, or automates administrative tasks, you're unlikely to be in the firing line.

The goal of this initial phase is not to bring every business to its knees, but rather to establish a solid foundation. So, don't panic. We're watching you, but from afar (for now).

What to do (or not do) before Sunday

This is where it gets interesting: what should we actually do before February 2?

1. Do a quick audit of your products

Take an hour, a coffee, and a sheet of paper (or a Google Doc, it's 2025 after all). Ask yourself two simple questions:

• Could my product or technology fall into one of the “unacceptable” categories of the AI ​​Act?

• If so, what can I do to limit this risk (or document its use)?

In the majority of cases, the answer will be “no” to the first question, and you can move on. If it’s “yes,” then it’s time to think about some adjustments.

2. Form your team (or at least send a Slack)

The AI ​​Act officially requires companies to train their employees in the ethical use of AI. But let's be honest: no one needs a three-day seminar for that. A short information session, a guide or even an internal video will be enough to show that you are taking the issue seriously.

3. Don’t panic about sanctions

You may have read that fines can reach 35 million euros or 7% of your turnover. Yes, it's true. But these sanctions mainly apply to flagrant violations of the rules (and mainly from August 2025). For the moment, there are no AI police who will arrive on your premises Monday morning.

4. Prepare a governance plan

If you haven’t already done so, identify someone on your team (or yourself if you are a small organization) as the “AI gatekeeper”. This person will be responsible for monitoring changing regulations and ensuring you are on the right track. No need to hire an external compliance expert at this stage.

5. Disclose your AI interactions

Did you know that if your AI interacts directly with users (for example, via a chatbot or generated content), you have an obligation to notify them that they are interacting with an AI? This could be as simple as a message saying: "This exchange is powered by artificial intelligence." If your AI produces content or provides analysis, mention that too. This rule aims to avoid confusion and ensure transparency.

And after February 2?

If you are already in compliance with this first wave of rules, congratulations! You are ahead. But this is only the beginning. The real challenge will begin next August, with the entry into force of the second part of the AI ​​Act. There, it will be necessary to prove:

• The transparency of your models.

• Their safety and reliability.

• Data protection and confidentiality.

But again, you will have time to prepare. Startups that take the initiative now will have a clear competitive advantage.

Why the AI ​​Act could be an opportunity for you

It is easy to see the AI ​​Act as an additional constraint. But if you change your perspective, you will realize that this can also work in your favor.

1. Build your credibility

Being AI Act compliant shows that you are a serious business, ready to play by the rules. This can reassure your customers, your investors and even your employees.

2. Get a head start

Startups that quickly adopt these rules will have an advantage over slower or less prepared competitors. You can even integrate your compliance into your sales pitch.

3. Exploit the gray areas

The AI ​​Act is still a general framework, leaving room for interpretation. This means there is room to innovate, as long as you stay within the set limits. Why not position yourself as a leader in “ethical” AI?

A final word: don't panic

The AI ​​Act is not here to kill innovation or stifle startups. This is an effort to structure the development of AI and avoid deviations. Yes, it takes a bit of work. But it’s nothing insurmountable, especially if you start early.

So, take advantage of this new era to get ahead of your competitors, strengthen your foundations and show that your startup is ready to conquer the future – responsibly. And if you ever need a helping hand, remember: you are not alone. You are part of a dynamic ecosystem that is here to help each other.

Good luck, and see you Sunday for the launch of a new chapter in the history of European AI!