EU AI Act goes into effect: Here’s what it means for U.S. tech firms [Video]

The European Union’s landmark artificial intelligence law officially enters into force Thursday — and it means tough changes for American technology giants.

The AI Act, a landmark rule that aims to govern the way companies develop, use and apply AI, was given final approval by EU member states, lawmakers, and the European Commission — the executive body of the EU — in May.

CNBC has run through all you need to know about the AI Act — and how it will affect the biggest global technology companies.

The AI Act is a piece of EU legislation governing artificial intelligence. First proposed by the European Commission in 2020, the law aims to address the negative impacts of AI.

The regulation sets out a comprehensive and harmonized regulatory framework for AI across the EU.

It will primarily target large U.S. technology companies, which are currently the primary builders and developers of the …