Article 1 — Subject matter

The AI Act establishes one harmonised EU framework for developing, marketing and using artificial intelligence. It aims to protect health, safety, fundamental rights, democracy and the environment while supporting innovation. It bans certain practices, sets rules for high-risk systems, adds transparency duties, governs general-purpose AI models, and organises supervision and enforcement. Smaller providers and start-ups receive particular attention. This opening article states purpose and coverage; it carries no standalone penalty.