New rules now apply to general-purpose AI models, the very foundation of tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Whether you’re training, deploying, or just integrating these models, your legal obligations have just changed. The new rules came into place as of August 2nd, 2025.
Hello and welcome back to AI SIX, where I decode AI in six minutes or less. Today’s news is that the EU’s new rules for general-purpose AI – GPAI – are now in effect. If you’re building or using foundational AI models in Europe, everything has just changed.
What Is GPAI?
GPAI stands for General-Purpose AI. These are models trained on massive datasets, and they’re capable of handling a wide range of tasks: language, vision, reasoning, and beyond. They’re the foundation behind tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and open-source models like Mistral or LLaMA.
As of August 2, 2025, GPAI providers placing models on the EU market must meet new legal obligations under the EU AI Act.
What’s Changed?
The rules focus on three areas: transparency, copyright, and safety.
Let’s break it down.
1. Transparency
- Providers must disclose information about how the model was trained and designed.
- That includes publishing a public summary of training data sources using a standard EU template.
2. Copyright Compliance
- Any copyrighted content used in training must be properly documented.
- This opens the door for rights-holders to make claims or demand compensation.
3. Technical Documentation
- Detailed records about model training, function, and limitations are now mandatory.
Systemic-Risk Models
- If your model exceeds 10²⁵ FLOP, that’s the EU’s risk threshold, you must notify the Commission and comply with additional safety and security rules.
What About Older Models?
If your model was released before 2 August 2025, you have a two-year grace period to reach compliance, until August 2027.
But if you’re launching something new now? You’re immediately in scope.
Who Is Affected?
Two key groups:
- Providers who train and release GPAI models, regardless of whether they’re based in the EU or not.
- Downstream developers who build on top of those models. Even if you’re not training your own models, you’ll rely on compliance documentation from upstream providers.
How to Comply?
Enter the GPAI Code of Practice. It’s a voluntary framework, co-developed with big tech players like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
The Code covers three chapters:
- Transparency
- Copyright
- Safety and Security (for high-risk models only)
Signing the Code doesn’t eliminate your obligations, but it does offer legal clarity and reduce the compliance burden.
The European Commission has also published templates and guidance on how to complete the public training data summary and understand your scope.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Each EU Member State now has an authority responsible for enforcement.
- Penalties apply for failing to disclose, for using copyrighted data without documentation, or for breaching systemic risk rules.
Timeline Recap
- August 2, 2025 – New GPAI models must comply.
- August 2, 2027 – Deadline for models released before the rule came into force.
Why It Matters
The EU’s aim is clear:
- Make AI more transparent
- Protect copyright holders
- Ensure safety for models that could impact millions of people
And crucially, support responsible innovation in line with democratic values.
This is the first time general-purpose AI has been explicitly regulated at scale. The rules will shape how AI is trained, documented, and used across the EU, and likely influence legislation worldwide.
If you’re in the business of AI, whether you’re building, buying, or integrating, it’s time to get familiar with the GPAI rules.
About the Podcast Host
Joanne Sweeney is a specialist in public-sector marketing and digital communications. She’s the author of Public Sector Marketing Pro and the creator of the Professional Diploma in AI for Public Sector Marketing. With years of experience in training, consulting, and advocating for digital transformation, Joanne provides insight and guidance for government agencies navigating the digital landscape. She is also the host of the award-winning Public Sector Marketing Show podcast.
