From the perspective of Microsoft’s partners, the EU AI Act presents both challenges and huge opportunities for the deployment of AI solutions in companies across Europe. These regulations introduce the principles of responsibility, transparency and ethics in the area of artificial intelligence, which on the one hand requires the adaptation of technology, and on the other hand – offers space for the development of new services and solutions compliant with regulations. Microsoft has long been a leader in ethical AI development, and now partners can use its solutions to help organizations fully comply with the EU AI Act.
Why is the EU AI Act important for Microsoft partners?
Compliance As A Competitive Advantage
EU regulations on artificial intelligence will introduce strict requirements for the use of AI, especially in areas such as healthcare, finance and recruitment.
Microsoft’s partners who are able to offer solutions that comply with the EU AI Act will become preferred technology providers.
By integrating with Azure AI or Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions, partners can provide customers with both high data quality and algorithm transparency, attracting new customers looking for compliant solutions
New Business Opportunities
The EU AI Act divides AI systems into different levels of risk, with specific requirements for high-risk systems.
Microsoft partners can help companies implement and monitor these systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective risk management.
Applications such as Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, and Power Platform can become the foundation for new projects, enabling companies to take a flexible approach to AI implementation in the face of regulation.
Ethics And Transparency As Key Values
Supporting the responsible development of AI in accordance with the provisions of the EU AI Act is also an opportunity to stand out in the industry.
Microsoft, as a company committed to the responsible use of technology, is already introducing tools for data management and algorithm transparency, which gives Microsoft’s partners a huge advantage.
Offering AI solutions that comply with regulations helps build trust with customers and create long-lasting business relationships.
How Does Microsoft Support Partners In The Context Of The EU AI Act?
Azure AI
A platform for creating and managing AI solutions that helps companies meet regulatory standards.
Microsoft Copilot
A tool that supports everyday tasks, which is also compliant with ethical AI standards.
Power Platform
Enables you to build AI apps in a way that complies with privacy and data protection regulations.
What You Need To Know
Adoption And Implementation
- April 2021: The European Commission proposed a draft EU AI Act.
- April 2024: EU AI Act adopted by the European Parliament
- 2026: full implementation of the EU AI Act regulations = start of full monitoring and compliance requirements for companies and organizations with AI regulations in Europe (audits and documentation for high-risk AI systems)
Risk categories
The AI Act classifies AI systems into four risk categories:
- Low Risk (e.g. spam filters),
- High Risk (e.g., AI in medicine, education, employment),
- Unacceptable Risks (e.g., systems that manipulate human behavior).
Transparency And Accountability Requirements
- Companies that use generative AI systems (e.g., ChatGPT) must inform users that they are generating AI-based content.
- These systems must also avoid generating illegal or harmful material (i.e. hate speech).
Penalties For Non-Compliance
- Financial penalties for violating the provisions of the EU AI Act are envisaged, which can amount to up to 7% of the company’s annual turnover. This is particularly important for companies operating in the EU, which need to adapt their operations to the new regulations