AI Act FAQ

AI Act Exemptions: Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions answered with specific EU AI Act article references. 98 days until the August 2, 2026 enforcement deadline.

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Is military AI exempt?

Yes. The AI Act does not apply to AI systems developed or used exclusively for military purposes (Article 2(3)).

Are research and development exempt?

AI systems used solely for scientific research and development are exempt from most obligations, provided they are not placed on the market (Article 2(6)).

Are open-source AI models exempt?

Partially. Open-source GPAI models are exempt from some transparency obligations under Article 53, unless they pose systemic risk. High-risk obligations still apply if the model is used in a high-risk context.

Are small companies exempt?

No blanket SME exemption exists. However, SMEs benefit from: reduced fines (Article 99(6)), priority access to regulatory sandboxes (Article 57), and simplified documentation where possible.

Is personal/non-professional use exempt?

Yes. The AI Act does not apply to natural persons using AI for purely personal, non-professional activities (Article 2(10)).

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