Article 50 active from
EU AI Act deadlines: what actually changes when
There's been a lot of noise about August 2, 2026. Here's what actually switches on — and what got pushed to 2027.
February 2025
AI Act in force
General provisions apply. Article 4 (AI literacy) obligations active.
August 2, 2026
Article 50 enforceable
Transparency obligations for chatbots and customer-facing AI become fully enforceable.
December 2, 2026
AI content labelling
Machine-readable marking for AI-generated images, audio, and video.
December 2, 2027
High-risk AI (Annex III)
Full obligations for high-risk AI systems (employment, credit, healthcare, etc.).
What to do before August 2, 2026
- Add a disclosure to any customer-facing chatbot or AI assistant
- Document AI literacy training for staff (Article 4 — already live)
- Run an audit if you're not sure what applies
High-risk AI obligations under Annex III were delayed to December 2027. That delay doesn't affect Article 50 or Article 4. Article 50 guide →
See what's needed before August 2
Find out where you stand →Find out where you stand. About 4 minutes.
List the AI your team uses. Get a plain-English readout of what matters — and what doesn't. No account. No card.
Check my tools →UK teams are already sorting this. Article 50 kicks in .