Do you run an SME or startup and use AI tools in your business? This practical guide explains concretely what the AI Act means for you, without legal jargon.
Quick test: are you affected?
Answer these 3 questions:
- Do you use a chatbot or AI assistant on your website?
- Do you use AI to process applications or CVs?
- Does your AI make decisions impacting people?
If you answered yes to at least one question, the AI Act affects you. But don't panic, the obligations are often simple!
Who is really affected?
The AI Act doesn't just apply to tech giants. Any company that uses or deploys AI in the EU is affected, including if you simply use tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or chatbots.
But good news: most small businesses only have light obligations. Here's how to know where you stand:
- You have a chatbot on your website
- You use AI to generate content (text, images)
- You use AI to sort CVs or evaluate candidates
- You offer AI-powered personalized recommendations
- You only use AI internally (productivity, writing)
- Your AI doesn't make decisions about people
- You use AI tools without modifying them
Common SME Use Cases
Let's look at the most frequent situations and what they imply:
You have an AI chatbot that answers customer questions on your site. This is a classic "limited risk" case: you simply need to inform users that they are talking to an AI.
Limited risk Action: add a clear noticeYou use ChatGPT or Jasper to write your emails, articles, or LinkedIn posts. Internal use without direct impact on third parties: no particular obligation.
Minimal risk Action: none requiredYour e-commerce suggests products based on purchase history. This is minimal risk if the recommendations have no significant impact on customers.
Minimal risk Action: check for absence of discriminationWarning! Using AI to filter applications is classified as "high risk." Strict obligations apply even for SMEs.
High risk Action: compliance audit recommendedThe 4 Steps to Compliance
Here is a simple method for small businesses:
Inventory your AI tools
List all the AI tools you use: chatbots, assistants, content generators, analysis tools. Don't forget plugins and integrations.
Classify by risk level
For each tool, determine if it is minimal, limited, or high risk based on its use. Our free audit can help.
Implement transparency
Inform your users when they interact with an AI. A simple notice is enough in most cases.
Document your uses
Keep a record of your AI systems, their purpose, and the measures taken. No complex documents needed for SMEs.
How much does it cost?
AI Act compliance is not necessarily expensive for SMEs:
For the majority of SMEs (minimal or limited risk), compliance comes down to a few communication and documentation adjustments. Almost zero cost.
| Action | Estimated cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance audit (our tool) | Free to €49 | 15 min |
| Adding transparency notices | €0 (DIY) | 1h |
| Basic documentation | €0-200 | 2-4h |
Mistakes to avoid
Here are common pitfalls for small businesses:
Thinking it only concerns large corporations. Penalties apply to everyone.
Investing heavily when your obligations are minimal. Get a diagnosis first.
Your Intercom chatbot or WordPress AI plugin are also affected.
Some obligations apply from February 2025. Anticipate!
Check your situation for free
Our tool analyzes your AI uses in 5 minutes and tells you exactly what to do.
Start free auditThe AI Act is not a threat to SMEs. With a pragmatic approach and the right tools, you can achieve compliance quickly and cost-effectively. The most important thing is to start with a diagnosis of your situation.
