AI Act makes basic understanding a requirement
AI awareness is not just about technology. With the AI Act, with key requirements already in place and new elements just coming into force on August 2, 2025, it is now a compliance requirement.
Written by Anders Schultz-Møller
AI is here to stay
AI is here to stay – and it’s already part of everyday life in most companies, often without us noticing.
A good piece of advice is: Prepare your employees with a basic understanding of AI and AI Act – start small and build from there.
As a leader, you probably already know that the AI Act demands how we use AI and that you need to find a way to integrate AI into your organization. But maybe it’s unclear where to start and how to get the whole organization on board?
AI Act – why it matters to everyone
The AI Act isn’t just about technical standards – it’s about responsible use of AI across the entire organization.
- Since February 2, 2025, companies have had to demonstrate that employees understand the opportunities and risks of AI – and can identify unacceptable use.
- Since August 2, 2025, there are stricter requirements for transparency and the use of general AI models (such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini).
This means that AI is not just an IT issue – it’s a shared task.
Even employees who think“AI has nothing to do with me” are already affected – to a greater or lesser extent.
How many false starts
A classic mistake is to start with tool training – such as Microsoft Copilot – without making sure people understand the common ground:
- What is AI and how does it work?
- What ethical and safety principles apply?
- How do we comply with the AI Act – regardless of role?
Tools change fast.
It’s the basic understanding that lasts.
Three common misconceptions
- “AI training is for the technical staff“
AI awareness is about everyone. From HR to customer service, everyone needs to understand where AI can add value and how to avoid pitfalls. - “We can do it with a one-off course“
AI evolves faster than most policies can be updated. Training needs to be ongoing so that knowledge and practices are constantly updated. - “AI awareness = theory”
Theory does not change behavior. When learning is based on realistic situations that resemble employees’ everyday lives, the chances of it being translated into action increase.
Conclusion – AI training is for everyone
AI is not for the few. AI training is for everyone.
It starts with a common basic understanding and respect for the rules of the game set by the AI Act.
Once that foundation is in place, tool training really starts to make sense – and then AI becomes both valuable and compliant.