The AI Act is now a reality: what should your organization do NOW?

18 July 2024

The AI Act is now a reality: what should your organization do NOW?

Stelt u zich eens voor: u werkt al jaren met dezelfde zelfstandige. Hij stuurt facturen, factureert btw en heeft een eigen kvk-nummer. Toch krijgt u in 2026 ineens vragen van de Belastingdienst over de aard van uw samenwerking. Hoe heeft het zo ver kunnen komen?

On 9 December 2023, a provisional European agreement was already reached on the AI Act. But now it’s really happening… On 12 July 2024, the final text of the AI Act was published, and it enters into force on 1 August 2024.

The AI Act largely applies from 2 August 2026, but some provisions already take effect from 2 February 2025. It is clear that the prohibitions and requirements take effect in phases.

Since almost every organization uses software in which AI is integrated, such as certain apps or online services, almost every organization will also qualify as a “user” (deployer) of an AI system under the AI Act.

As a refresher: the purpose of the AI Act is to set requirements for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the European Union (EU). We have summarized a number of important considerations and deadlines for you:

The AI Act applies to both public and private parties.
From 1 August 2024, the AI Act takes effect in phases. Most obligations become effective within a period of six months to three years.
From 1 February 2025, the prohibitions take effect.
From 1 August 2025, the requirements for general-purpose AI models apply.
From 1 August 2026, most articles take effect, including obligations for high-risk AI systems.
From 1 August 2027, all obligations for high-risk AI systems apply.
From 1 August 2030, the obligations apply to AI systems that were already in use by government bodies before entry into force.

What should your organization do NOW?

First, your organization must determine whether AI systems are used at all. And if so, is your organization a provider or a deployer of the system under the AI Act?
Next, your organization will need to determine whether any AI systems in use fall within the category of prohibited practices. If so, these systems must be phased out before the prohibitions take effect.
In addition, high-risk AI systems must comply with the requirements by 1 August 2026. Your organization should therefore determine whether any high-risk AI systems are in use and which requirements will apply to them.
It is important that your organization draws up an inventory now of the AI systems used within the organization. This is despite the fact that many articles of the AI Act will not take effect for roughly another two years. After all, you don’t want to be caught off guard, potentially resulting in hefty fines. In addition, the AI Act contains a great deal of (complex) text, and there are all kinds of different requirements to consider.

Do you have questions about this topic, about the AI systems within your organization, and how they can comply with the AI Act? The business lawyers of The Legal Company are ready to help. Contact us via info@thelegalcompany.nl or call 020 345 0152.

Nothing changes as constantly as laws and regulations. Please note that our blogs may no longer align with current laws and regulations and may therefore be outdated. If you have questions or an issue relating to this blog, or would like legal assistance, please contact us.

De afgelopen jaren stonden in het teken van de Wet VBAR, het wetsvoorstel dat een einde moest maken aan onduidelijkheid over de zzp’er. Het kabinet heeft delen van dat voorstel inmiddels geschrapt. Op het eerste gezicht is dat goed nieuws: minder regels, minder administratieve last. Maar in de praktijk blijven dezelfde toetsen overeind.

“De inhoud van de samenwerking is leidend, niet wat er op papier staat.”

De Belastingdienst handhaaft sinds 1 januari 2025 weer actief op schijnzelfstandigheid. En recente uitspraken van de Hoge Raad bevestigen dat rechters strikt toetsen of er sprake is van ondergeschiktheid en gezagsverhouding.

Voor uw praktijk betekent dit drie dingen. Een: leg de samenwerking duidelijk vast, met aandacht voor de inhoud. Twee: voorkom dat een zzp’er feitelijk werkt als werknemer. Drie: wees voorbereid op een controle, en weet hoe u de relatie kunt herzien als dat moet.

Heeft u vragen over uw concrete situatie? Wij sparren dagelijks met opdrachtgevers over hun zzp-relaties. Vraag een offerte op of bekijk onze Legal Safe abonnementen.