Only One in Four Companies Engaged with the AI Act

The AI Act has been in effect since early August, but so far, only about a quarter (24%) of companies in Germany have taken steps to comply with the new EU-wide regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. While 21% are just beginning to engage with the legislation, only 3% have studied it in depth.

An additional 29% intend to address the regulation in the future, but 16% say they have no plans to do so. Furthermore, around one in four companies (24%) are not even aware of the much-discussed EU regulation. These findings are based on a survey of 602 companies across various sectors, commissioned by the digital association Bitkom.

Widespread Uncertainty

“Companies should familiarise themselves with the AI Act at an early stage,” says Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. “The Act sets out rules for providers and operators of AI systems and models, including companies that do not develop AI systems themselves but rather use standard AI solutions available on the market. AI will become increasingly integrated into more applications and industries, and the AI Act applies to everyone—even if individual employees use AI without the company’s knowledge.”

There remains considerable uncertainty in the business world regarding the potential impact of the AI Act. While 62% of companies believe the regulation will provide legal clarity for developing and using AI, and 53% think it will enhance trust in AI, concerns persist. Specifically, 45% of companies fear that the Act will impede AI development in Europe, and 41% are worried that it will hinder AI adoption.

A significant majority—69%—of companies say they need help to comply with the AI Act. Wintergerst cautions, “We must avoid repeating the mistakes made with the General Data Protection Regulation. The existing and newly established supervisory and market surveillance authorities should not only enforce the rules but also provide guidance on how AI can be developed and used legally in Germany.”