EU AI Act Gives Brussels Power to Inspect, Block and Fine Major AI Firms

Key Points

• EU Commission’s AI Act enforcement powers took effect on August 2.
• Authorities can demand pre‑release model evaluations, block EU market access, and fine up to 3 % of global turnover.
• The rules apply to any provider offering a general‑purpose AI model in the EU, including OpenAI, Anthropic and Google.
• Non‑EU firms must appoint an EU‑based authorised representative to comply.
• Elisabetta Righini warns that refusing information requests or obstructing evaluations is itself punishable.
• OpenAI and Anthropic are currently in talks with the Commission after recent cybersecurity incidents.
• The move intensifies U.S.–EU tech tensions, following a large Digital Markets Act fine against Google.
• Washington is also crafting its own AI review framework, creating dual compliance pressures for American labs.