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EU AI Act Risk Classifier: Understanding Regulatory Compliance

A tool that helps in classifying artificial intelligence systems according to the EU's stringent legal framework.

mysimulator teamUpdated June 2026≈ 3 min read▶ Open the simulation

What is the EU AI Act Risk Classifier?

The EU AI Act Risk Classifier is a simulation designed to help understand how artificial intelligence systems are classified according to the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act. This act aims to regulate AI applications based on their potential risks and impact, categorizing them into four tiers: Minimal, Limited, High-risk, or Prohibited.

By adjusting parameters such as autonomy and potential impact, selecting a sector, and toggling between compliance modes, users can see how these factors influence the classification of an AI system.

How Does It Work?

The classifier works by considering several key factors: the level of autonomy (how much control the AI has over its actions), the potential impact on rights and safety, the sector in which it operates, and any additional risk bonuses from specific sectors. These parameters are adjusted using sliders and buttons to reflect real-world scenarios.

For instance, a system with high autonomy and significant potential impact might be classified as High-risk or even Prohibited if it falls into certain sectors like Law Enforcement.

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Why is This Important?

Understanding the risk classification of AI systems is crucial for ensuring compliance with EU regulations. It helps stakeholders, including developers and regulators, to identify potential risks and take necessary steps to mitigate them.

Proper classification also aids in determining appropriate safeguards and oversight mechanisms, which are essential for maintaining public trust and safety.

Real-World Applications

The EU AI Act Risk Classifier can be applied to a wide range of real-world scenarios. For example, an autonomous vehicle might be classified as Limited risk due to its high autonomy but lower potential impact on rights and safety compared to other sectors.

In healthcare, a diagnostic tool could be classified as High-risk if it has significant autonomy and the potential to affect patient safety.

Frequently asked questions

What are the four risk tiers in the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act classifies AI systems into four tiers: Minimal, Limited, High-risk, and Prohibited. Each tier has specific compliance requirements based on the level of risk.

How does autonomy affect an AI system's classification?

Autonomy plays a significant role in determining the risk level. Higher levels of autonomy generally correlate with higher risk classifications, as they allow for more independent decision-making and potential impact.

What is the regulatory sandbox mentioned in the classifier?

The regulatory sandbox allows high-risk AI systems to be tested under a temporary, less stringent set of regulations. This helps innovators develop and refine their technologies while ensuring some level of oversight.

Can all sectors receive the same risk bonus from the EU AI Act?

No, certain sectors like Law Enforcement or Employment might receive higher risk bonuses due to specific regulatory requirements and potential impacts on rights and safety. These bonuses can significantly influence an AI system's classification.

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open EU AI Act Risk Classifier and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open EU AI Act Risk Classifier simulation

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