The EU AI Act: What Businesses Must Know and How to Prepare

The Air Canada Case
In a landmark case, Air Canada was held liable after their chatbot misled a passenger about a discount for a family emergency trip. The chatbot wrongly assured the passenger they could apply for the discount after booking, but the airline later denied it, claiming the chatbot was a “separate legal entity.” The tribunal disagreed, ordering Air Canada to pay $812.02, making it clear that businesses are responsible for their AI’s mistakes. This case serves as a powerful warning: AI without proper oversight leads to legal and reputational risks.

Visualizer by JUNO KWON on Pixabay.

AI Training is Now Mandatory for All Users

The European Union has introduced the EU AI Act, the first legal framework aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in businesses to prevent harm and ensure responsible use. One critical aspect is that all AI users must receive proper training from their employers. Companies can no longer simply provide tools like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT and assume employees know how to use them responsibly.

The Risks of Poor AI Training

Many companies invest in AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, but six to twelve months later, adoption remains low. Often, businesses rely on pre-recorded video training, which many employees skip, leaving companies to pay for tools with no value.

At organizations where training is neglected, employees will still use AI tools, sometimes mishandling sensitive data or reinforcing biases without realizing it. The EU AI Act mandates bias monitoring, requiring companies to audit datasets, test AI for fairness, and maintain human oversight. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your business.

At AiSkillSet, we offer structured, hands-on AI training that ensures employees understand how to use AI effectively and responsibly, aligning with EU AI Act compliance standards.

Visualizer by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the EU AI Act can lead to serious consequences, including fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover, similar to GDPR penalties. Companies that fail to train employees properly, monitor AI use, and ensure fairness face legal, financial, and reputational risks. The consequences extend beyond fines—lawsuits, loss of consumer trust, and operational disruptions can follow.

Providing AI training is not optional. Without it, your employees might unknowingly put your organization at risk, even if they’re using AI for the right reasons.

Ensuring Compliance with AiSkillSet

Navigating the EU AI Act and ensuring your teams are prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. At AiSkillSet, we specialize in practical AI training focused on how to use AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Midjourney responsibly, improving productivity while meeting compliance standards.

We ensure that your teams are equipped to use AI efficiently and safely, reducing risks and maximizing adoption outcomes. If your company is integrating AI and wants to ensure your employees are trained and aligned with the latest regulations, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation with us today.