EU finalises AI code as 2025 compliance deadline approaches
General-purpose AI developers must now comply with new EU obligations covering transparency, copyright, and safety.
The European Commission has released its finalised Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models, laying the groundwork for implementing the landmark AI Act. The new Code sets out transparency, copyright, and safety rules that developers must follow before deadlines.
Approved in March 2024 and effective from August, the AI Act introduces the EU’s first binding rules for AI. It bans high-risk applications such as real-time biometric surveillance, predictive policing, and emotion recognition in schools or workplaces.
Stricter obligations will apply to general-purpose models from August 2025, including mandatory documentation of training data, provided this does not violate intellectual property or trade secrets.
The Code of Practice, developed by experts with input from over 1,000 stakeholders, aims to guide AI providers through the AI Act’s requirements. It mandates model documentation, lawful content sourcing, risk management protocols, and a point of contact for copyright complaints.
However, industry voices, including the CCIA, have criticised the Code, saying it disproportionately burdens AI developers.
Member States and the European Commission will assess the effectiveness of the Code in the coming months. From August 2026, enforcement will begin for existing models, while new ones will be subject to the rules a year earlier.
The Commission says these steps are vital to ensure GPAI models are safe, transparent, and rights-respecting across the EU.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
