AI systems used by public authorities in third countries are generally:

The correct choice highlights that AI systems used by public authorities in third countries are generally exempt from the regulations of the EU AI Act. This reflects the principle of territoriality in EU legislation, which primarily applies to entities and operations within the jurisdiction of the European Union.

The EU AI Act is designed to regulate the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the EU, ensuring that such technologies adhere to specific ethical and legal standards. Public authorities in third countries—meaning authorities outside the EU—are not bound by European law. While the EU might influence global standards and practices, it does not have direct regulatory authority over non-EU entities.

This means that although the EU may monitor or encourage compliance with its standards globally, it cannot enforce the AI Act on countries that operate independently. As such, AI systems employed by public authorities in third countries do not fall under the scope of EU regulations like the EU AI Act, leading to their exemption from these specific rules.