Article 4 of 1134%
Article 4: AI literacy
EU Official:
✅In force since 2 Feb 2025
Title I: General Provisions
Official text
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Source: EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 — text reproduced verbatim.
📥 Download AI Act (PDF)📘 Official Guidance
✅Published 2 Feb 2025
AI Literacy obligation (Art. 4)
The AI literacy obligation requires all organisations providing or using AI systems to ensure their staff has sufficient knowledge. The required level of knowledge depends on the context, type of AI system and the employee's role. There is no specific certification requirement; organisations have flexibility in how they fulfil this.
Key points
- •Applies to ALL organisations using or providing AI, regardless of risk classification
- •Knowledge must be proportional to the role and type of AI system
- •No mandatory certification programme — organisations choose their own approach
- •Includes understanding of functioning, risks, limitations and ethical aspects
- •In force since 2 February 2025 — organisations must already comply
🎯 What does this mean for you?
🏭 Provider▼
Ensure your staff developing and maintaining AI systems have sufficient knowledge. This includes not only technical expertise but also understanding of ethical and legal aspects.
🏢 Deployer▼
Train your employees who work with AI systems. They must be able to interpret output, know limitations, and understand when human intervention is needed.
🏪 SME / Startup▼
Start with awareness: what is AI, how does it work, what are the risks? Our AI Literacy Test helps you measure your team's knowledge level.
🏛️ Public Sector▼
AI literacy is essential for civil servants making AI-assisted decisions. Invest in training at all levels — from policymakers to implementers.
🛠 Related tools
⚖️ Related Enforcement
No enforcement actions for this article yet. Follow developments via the Enforcement Tracker.
Cross-references
Frequently asked questions
What is AI literacy under the AI Act?▼
Article 4 requires providers and deployers to ensure their staff has sufficient knowledge of AI systems. This includes understanding the functioning, risks, and limitations of the AI being used.
Who does the AI literacy obligation apply to?▼
The obligation applies to all organizations that provide or deploy AI systems. Both providers and deployers must ensure adequate AI literacy among their personnel.
When does Article 4 on AI literacy take effect?▼
Article 4 has been applicable since 2 February 2025. Organizations must already comply with this obligation.
Do SMEs also need to comply with Article 4 of the AI Act?▼
Article 4 of the AI Act does not provide a general exemption for SMEs. However, the AI Act includes supportive measures and potentially lighter obligations for small and medium-sized enterprises, depending on their role in the AI value chain.
How does Article 4 of the AI Act relate to the GDPR?▼
Article 4 of the AI Act complements the GDPR. While the GDPR protects personal data, the AI Act focuses on the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems. Organisations must comply with both regulations when their AI system processes personal data.
What are the deadlines for Article 4 of the AI Act?▼
The AI Act follows a phased implementation. Prohibited AI practices apply from February 2025, obligations for high-risk AI systems from August 2026, and other provisions take effect gradually. The specific deadline for Article 4 depends on the category of the obligation.
Does Article 4 of the AI Act also apply to AI systems I purchase?▼
Yes, Article 4 of the AI Act may also be relevant when you purchase AI systems. As a deployer, you have your own obligations under the AI Act, regardless of whether you developed the system yourself or purchased it from a provider.
What is the difference between provider and deployer under Article 4 of the AI Act?▼
Under Article 4 of the AI Act, the provider is the entity that develops or places the AI system on the market, while the deployer is the entity that uses the system under its own authority. Both roles carry different obligations.
How do I demonstrate compliance with the AI literacy obligation?▼
There is no fixed certificate or exam required. You can demonstrate compliance by maintaining training plans, attendance records, internal guidelines and documentation of completed training. The level must be appropriate to the employee's role and context.
Which employees need to be AI literate under Article 4?▼
All staff and other persons dealing with the operation and use of AI systems on your behalf. This includes not just technical staff, but also management, HR employees, customer service agents and anyone who uses AI output for decision-making.
Is there a fine for not complying with the AI literacy obligation?▼
Yes, Article 4 has been in force since 2 February 2025. Non-compliance can result in fines up to €15 million or 3% of worldwide annual turnover. Exact enforcement is determined by national supervisory authorities.
What is the difference between AI literacy and AI training?▼
AI literacy goes broader than technical training. It encompasses understanding AI capabilities and limitations, ethical considerations, risks and the context in which AI is deployed. Technical AI training specifically focuses on building or managing AI systems.
Does the AI literacy obligation apply if I only use ChatGPT or Copilot?▼
Yes, Article 4 applies to all users of AI systems, whether self-developed or commercial tools like ChatGPT or Copilot. Employees using these tools must understand what AI can do, its limitations, and how to critically evaluate its output.
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