EU’s Groundbreaking AI Law Comes into Force Across Member States, Including Ireland
Dublin: The European Union’s landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act has officially come into effect across member states, including Ireland, marking a major regulatory milestone aimed at ensuring the safe and transparent use of AI technologies.
Under the new law, AI developers and providers—from tech giants like Google and Meta to startups and SMEs—must ensure their AI systems are safe, transparent, and respect fundamental rights. A key component of the legislation is the establishment of government oversight mechanisms to monitor compliance and hold companies accountable.
The AI Act, which entered into EU law last year, is being implemented in phases, with full enforcement expected by 2026. The law prohibits AI systems deemed to pose unacceptable risks to public safety, livelihoods, or fundamental rights. Companies found in violation may face fines of up to 3% of global annual turnover or €15 million, whichever is higher.
However, the European Commission has clarified that no individual fines will be imposed for legal violations until August 2, 2026. National authorities will be appointed to enforce the legislation and impose penalties where applicable.
Despite Ireland’s efforts to meet its obligations under the new law, concerns have been raised about the pace of implementation. Dr. Chris Srishak, Senior Fellow at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), criticised the government for a delayed response, saying that preparations should have started much earlier.
In response, the Department of Enterprise stated that Ireland has fulfilled all of its legal obligations and continues to work closely with the European Commission and other member states. A department spokesperson confirmed that workshops, working groups, and cross-border collaborations are ongoing to ensure smooth implementation.
One example of innovation under the new regulatory environment is Dublin-based digital agency All Human, which is developing an AI-powered energy price comparison tool featuring a realistic Irish-accented voice assistant. In line with the new AI rules, developers must clearly disclose when customers are interacting with an AI system, including chatbots or voice assistants.
All Human CEO John Mitchell emphasised the importance of transparency, stating:
“People have a right to know whether they’re engaging with a human or a machine. These new rules create that accountability.”
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