What the AI Act changes for an SME in 2026, in five points
The European AI regulation is not only for tech giants. Here is what an SME needs to know, without a lawyer.
1. The AI literacy obligation is already in force
Since 2 February 2025, any organisation that uses an AI system must ensure that the staff concerned have a sufficient level of AI literacy. It is not a certification, it is an obligation of means: training, information, usage framework.
2. Almost all your uses are limited or minimal risk
Sorting emails, preparing reminders, writing minutes: these uses do not fall into the “high-risk” category. They call for transparency and supervision, not a heavy compliance file.
3. An assistant must say it is one
If your customers or staff talk to an AI system, they must know it. That is the transparency rule, and it is simple to respect.
4. Generated content must be identifiable
A video, image or text produced by an AI and published must be labelled as such. A clear mention is enough in most cases.
5. The timeline continues
Obligations apply in stages until 2027. An SME that has trained its teams, knows which tools they use and keeps human validation on the actions that matter has done the essential.