The EU AI Act - Part 1: What's Required, What's High Risk & What To Do Next

Webinar Summary

The EU AI Act is here, but what does it actually mean for startups and scaling SMEs? In this practical session, Dr. Maria Moloney, Head of Research and AI Expert at PrivacyEngine, walks through where the Act applies, how to recognise high-risk and "automated decision" scenarios common in SME environments, and the sensible, right-sized steps to take now.

The session covers codes of practice, governance touchpoints, and lightweight documentation you can implement without slowing down product or sales. Expect straight talk, real examples, and time for your questions.

Key Takeaways

• Demystify the AI Act in under an hour, tailored to SME realities

• Understand risk categories and how typical SME use cases map (HR screening, scoring, chatbots, GenAI in marketing, vendor AI)

• Spot high-risk systems and "automated decision-making" in your stack

• Know when a code of practice is relevant and what "good enough" looks like

• Get a practical, right-sized compliance checklist you can start this week

• An understanding of the key obligations and timelines under the EU AI Act

• The ability to identify which of your systems or vendors may fall into "high-risk" categories

• Know-how to apply proportionate governance and documentation practices without overcomplicating workflows

• A simple compliance checklist and examples relevant to SMEs

• Clarity and confidence on practical next steps

Who This Is Aimed At

• Founders and senior leaders in startups or scaling SMEs using or developing AI tools

• Compliance, data protection, and legal professionals seeking clarity on AI Act implications

• Product managers and engineers incorporating AI or automated decision-making features

• Marketing and HR teams using AI systems for scoring, screening, or content generation

• Anyone responsible for ensuring responsible, compliant AI use within a growing organisation

Speaker

Dr. Maria Moloney,  Head of Research and AI Expert, PrivacyEngine

Dr. Maria Moloney leads research at PrivacyEngine, specialising in the practical implications of AI regulation for growing businesses. In this session, she brings a straight-talking, SME-focused perspective to the EU AI Act, translating complex regulatory requirements into right-sized, actionable steps that don't slow down product development or sales.