Governance

Prohibited AI

Definition

AI practices banned outright under the EU AI Act because they pose unacceptable risks to fundamental rights or democratic values. Banned uses include real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, social scoring by public authorities, subliminal manipulation, and exploiting vulnerable groups.

Related Terms

EU AI Act

The world's first comprehensive AI regulation, adopted by the European Union in 2024 and phasing in through 2027–2028 (prohibitions from February 2025, GPAI obligations from August 2025, stand-alone high-risk systems from 2 December 2027, and high-risk AI embedded in regulated products from 2 August 2028). It classifies AI systems by risk level—unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal—and imposes obligations proportionate to risk, from outright bans to conformity assessments and transparency requirements.

Unacceptable Risk AI

The highest risk tier under the EU AI Act, covering AI applications whose potential harms to society are deemed too severe to permit. Systems in this category are prohibited from being placed on the market or put into service in the EU.

AI Safety

A multi-disciplinary research field concerned with preventing AI systems from causing unintended harm—including technical failures, misuse, and long-term societal risks. In the EU, AI safety is operationalised through the AI Act's risk classification and conformity assessment requirements.

Related Services

Eu Ai Act Compliance

Knowing the Terms Is Step One. Applying Them Is Step Two.

Book a Physical AI Fit Call to discuss how these AI concepts translate to your specific industry and business challenges.