What counts as an "AI system" for a small business?
The Act's definition is a machine-based system that infers how to generate outputs — predictions, content, recommendations or decisions. A chatbot or writing assistant usually counts. A simple calculator usually does not.
Answered by GlassBots' AI assistant — not a person, not legal advice. We review new questions and publish them as permanent answers.
An AI system in the Act is a machine-based system that infers how to generate outputs — predictions, content, recommendations or decisions. A chatbot or writing assistant usually counts. A simple calculator usually does not.
You do not need a second definition for a shop. Use the Article 3(1) wording and list the tools you actually run. High-risk is a narrower list (Annex I and Annex III). Most small-business chat tools are not on that list.
This is general information, not legal advice.
What the law actually says
"‘AI system’ means a machine-based system that is designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy and that may exhibit adaptiveness after deployment, and that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments;"— EU AI Act, Article 3(1) (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) · eur-lex.europa.eu
In plain words
- ChatGPT, Copilot and similar assistants infer what to say from a prompt. They sit inside this definition.
- The definition needs inference — not every spreadsheet formula or spell-check is an AI system. If you are unsure about a specific tool, mark it in your inventory and get advice.
- You do not need to invent a second definition for a shop. Use the Article 3(1) wording and list the tools you actually run.
- High-risk is a narrower list (Annex I and Annex III). Most small-business chat tools are not on that list.
- Scans your computer and lists every AI tool your business actually uses.
- Checks your settings files for the transparency basics and produces a plain-language readiness report.
- Runs in your browser, free, nothing uploaded.
- Every month: re-scan, and the report can be updated each month — "what changed since last check" is written for you.
- Your records build into a printable readiness pack: tool inventory, training journal, disclosure checklist.
- Keeps the dated history an inspector would ask to see.
Did this answer your question?
Readiness guidance, not legal advice. GlassBots checks your own computer — nothing leaves it.