EU: AI agents fall under AI Act as ordinary AI systems

The EU's AI Act FAQ clarifies that AI agents are not a separate legal category but qualify as AI systems, since they typically contain a GPAI model and an interface. Prohibited uses, transparency rules, GPAI requirements and high-risk obligations from 2 December 2027 and 2 August 2028 therefore apply to them.

• AI agents are a subset of AI systems, not a separate category
• Prohibited uses, transparency and GPAI rules apply
• High-risk obligations take effect 2 December 2027 and 2 August 2028
• Experts propose a taxonomy of nine agent use areas