The EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is the world’s first comprehensive AI law, and it applies to companies worldwide. If your AI system is used in the European Union, you’re subject to EU jurisdiction regardless of where your headquarters is located. For US companies serving European markets, this creates significant compliance obligations and liability exposure that cannot be ignored.
While federal AI legislation remains in development, US states have moved aggressively to regulate artificial intelligence. From Colorado’s comprehensive AI discrimination law to Illinois’ biometric privacy statute generating hundreds of lawsuits annually, state-level AI regulation creates a complex patchwork of compliance obligations that varies dramatically by jurisdiction, industry, and use case.
As AI systems become integral to commerce, healthcare, and daily life, jurisdictions worldwide are racing to establish regulatory frameworks. The approaches vary dramatically, from the EU’s comprehensive risk-based legislation to the UK’s sector-specific principles, from China’s content-focused rules to Canada’s failed attempt at comprehensive AI law. Understanding these frameworks is essential for any organization deploying AI across borders.