Who does the EU AI Act apply to?

The EU AI Act is designed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence within the European Union. It applies to all users and providers of AI systems operating within the EU, regardless of the origin of the entity deploying the technology. This means that companies based in non-EU countries that provide AI systems or services to users in the EU must also comply with the regulations set forth in the Act.

The rationale behind this broad application is to ensure that all AI systems used in the EU adhere to the same safety, ethical, and transparency standards, thereby fostering a consistent regulatory environment that protects individuals and promotes trust in AI technologies. This approach reflects the EU’s commitment to a high level of consumer and civil rights protection, regardless of whether the technology provider is based within the EU or not.

The other choices are more restrictive and do not capture the full scope of the Act's applicability. The law is not limited to EU-based developers, nor does it only target public or private sector organizations; it encompasses all stakeholders involved in the AI ecosystem within the EU context.