Starting 2 February 2025, organisations using artificial intelligence must be AI literate. What does this mean for companies in practice?

Employees and individuals using AI on behalf of your company must understand the principles of AI, be able to assess the risks of its use, and comply with obligations such as transparency and privacy protection. It is not about everyone becoming an AI expert but rather understanding its capabilities and limitations and knowing how to use it safely.

The requirement to ensure AI literacy stems from the AI Act, a European regulation that will partially come into force this February. While penalties for non-compliance will not take effect until August 2025, failing to use AI responsibly already poses liability risks, such as potential GDPR breaches or failure to exercise due diligence.

At first glance, the AI literacy requirements of the AI Act may seem like a mere formality, but in reality they represent the first step towards implementing AI governance. Since the main part of the AI Act will not come into force until August 2026, organisations that start preparing now can gain not only a regulatory advantage but also a significant competitive edge.

Author: Hana Císlerová