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Your Attorney for the EU AI Act (AI Regulation)
The EU’s AI Regulation is changing the rules for everyone who develops or uses artificial intelligence. We’ll break down what the EU AI Act specifically means for your project, your company, or your content—in clear, plain language, without legal jargon.
REHKATSCH
Attorneys
What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act—known in German as the AI Regulation or AI Act—is the first comprehensive set of regulations for artificial intelligence in Europe. As an EU regulation, it applies directly in all member states without the need for follow-up national legislation. AI is not regulated across the board, but rather based on the risk posed by a system.
For you, this means that not every application is affected in the same way. What matters is the role you play and the risk class your system falls into. This is exactly where we come in.
Who is subject to the EU AI Act?
Your responsibilities depend on the role you play when interacting with the AI system.
Vendor
You are developing an AI system or bringing it to market under your own name. You are subject to the most extensive obligations.
Operator
You use AI in your company—such as chatbots, analytics tools, or recruiting tools. As a user, you also have certain obligations.
Importers & Distributors
If you import or distribute AI systems from abroad, you are still legally liable.
The Four Risk Classes
The EU AI Act classifies each system based on its risk. The severity of the requirements depends on this classification.
Prohibited AI
Systems that pose an unacceptable risk—such as manipulative social scoring—are strictly prohibited.
High-Risk AI
AI in sensitive areas such as human resources, lending, or critical infrastructure. Strict regulations apply here.
Limited Risk
Systems such as chatbots or AI-generated content. Transparency and labeling requirements apply here in particular.
Minimal risk
The vast majority of everyday applications. Largely unregulated—but voluntary standards are still useful.
The EU AI Act will be implemented in phases
The rules will not take effect all at once, but in phases. Prohibitions on particularly risky practices will take effect first, followed later by requirements for high-risk systems. Transparency and labeling requirements will also take effect at their own respective starting points.
Prohibitions
Prohibited AI practices take precedence.
Transparency & Labeling
Regulations for chatbots and AI-generated content are on the horizon.
High-Risk Responsibilities
Strict requirements for sensitive applications will follow.
Governance & Oversight
Documentation and human oversight will remain in place permanently.
During our initial consultation, we’ll help you determine what this means for your specific situation—and when you need to take action.
An Overview of the Most Important Responsibilities
Depending on your role and risk class, you’ll face different requirements. These are the most relevant ones in practice.
Transparency
Users must be able to tell when they are interacting with an AI system.
Labeling
AI-generated content, such as deepfakes and text, must be labeled.
Documentation
Technical documentation and supporting evidence must be kept on file.
Human supervision
Critical decisions remain under human control.
Of particular practical relevance: the AI labeling requirement
It covers deepfakes, chatbots, and AI-generated text and images—and is the first major challenge many companies will face. We’ll show you exactly what the rules will be starting in August 2026.
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Why REHKATSCH Attorneys at Law?
We specialize in law related to media, the press, and intellectual property—and cover both sides of the issue under one roof: removing unwanted posts as well as defending against unjustified account suspensions. You don’t need two law firms or lengthy explanations. We’ll review your case quickly, clearly tell you what’s possible, and consistently follow through.
Patrick Rehkatsch
Attorney Specializing in Copyright and Media Law – Founder
Attorney
Specializing in
Copyright and Media Law
Juliette Sarvan de Castro
Attorney Specializing in Copyright and Media Law
Ensure your AI is legally compliant—we're here to help.
Are you planning an AI product, using tools within your company, or unsure about your legal obligations? In a no-obligation initial consultation, we’ll take a look at your specific situation—without legal jargon and without any time pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EU AI Act
Yes. The AI Regulation is not based on the size of the company, but rather on the role and risk of the system being used. Even small teams and startups may be affected—we’ll assess your specific situation during our initial consultation.
Providers develop an AI system or bring it to market under their own name and bear the most extensive obligations. Operators use an existing system—they, too, have their own obligations, particularly with regard to transparency and oversight.
Often, yes. The EU AI Act has an impact far beyond the EU’s borders as soon as a system is offered or used in the EU. Anyone who imports or distributes such a system also assumes additional responsibility.
Violations can have serious consequences—ranging from compliance requirements to significant penalties. The level of risk in your case depends on your role and risk class. We’ll provide you with a realistic assessment.
In many cases, yes. Transparency and labeling requirements apply to deepfakes, chatbots, and AI-generated text and images. You can find more details on our page about AI labeling requirements.
As soon as you start using AI in earnest, it’s worth establishing a clear framework: Who is responsible, and how are systems tested and documented? We’ll help you set this up in a streamlined and legally compliant way.