The European Union has printed steering on what constitutes an AI system underneath its new AI Act. The danger-based framework for regulating functions of synthetic intelligence came into force last summer — with the first compliance deadline (on banned use cases) kicking in last weekend.

Figuring out whether or not a specific software program system falls inside the act’s scope will probably be a key consideration for AI builders — with the danger of fines of as much as 7% of worldwide annual turnover for breaches. The Commission’s 13-page guidelines are prone to be intently parsed by firms.

That stated, as with E.U. guidance on prohibited uses put out earlier this week, the recommendation is non-binding. The Fee additionally provides that the steering is “designed to evolve over time and will probably be up to date as vital, particularly in gentle of sensible experiences, new questions, and use instances that come up”.  Given how fast-paced the AI subject may be, the duty of understanding how the regulation applies is prone to stay a piece in progress.

“No automated dedication or exhaustive lists of programs that both fall inside or outdoors the definition of an AI system are potential,” the E.U. warns in its recommendation doc. Set your expectations accordingly.