Article 4 of 1134%
Article 4: AI literacy
EU Official:
ActiveIn force since 2 Feb 2025
Title I: General Provisions
Article 4 has applied since 2 February 2025 and was amended on 27 July 2026. Providers and deployers must take measures that support the development of AI literacy, taking account of knowledge, experience, education, context of use and impact. They do not have to guarantee a specific individual level.
Article 4 of the EU AI Act has applied since 2 February 2025. Since 27 July 2026, providers and deployers must take measures to support the development of AI literacy. Those measures should reflect technical knowledge, experience, education, the context of use and affected persons. The law does not require a specific individual level, standard course or certificate.
Legally reviewed on 30 July 2026 · Zahed Ashkara
Official text
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Source: EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2026/1744. Amended text of Article 4 reproduced.
View amending regulation→Official guidance on this article
8- Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, Digital Omnibus on AIAmends Article 4 into a duty for providers and deployers to take measures that support the development of AI literacy.PublishedRegulationEuropean Parliament and Council of the European Union24 Jul 2026
- Repository of AI literacy practicesProvides concrete examples of measures by which organisations give substance to the duty to take measures on AI literacy, with the explicit caveat that copying does not give rise to a presumption of compliancePublishedGuidelinesEuropean Commission / AI Office27 Jul 2026
- AI PactContains the commitment to promote AI literacy amongst staff and provides related explanatory material via webinarsPublishedCode of practiceEuropean Commission / AI Office7 Aug 2026
- AI Literacy - Questions & AnswersProvides the only official Commission explanation of what an organisation must concretely do to meet the duty to take measures on AI literacyPublishedQ&AEuropean Commission, DG CONNECT27 Jul 2026
- EN ISO/IEC 42001:2026 Information technology - Artificial intelligence - Management systemProvides an organisation-wide structure for roles, competencies and awareness with which the obligation to take action on AI literacy under Article 4 can demonstrably be fulfilledPublishedStandardISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42, European adoption through CEN-CENELEC, Dutch adoption by NEN1 Mar 2026
- AI Regulation timeline (Algoritmekader)Places the AI literacy obligation on 2 February 2025 and links it to requirement aia-01 with corresponding measures.PublishedNational guidanceMinistry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Algorithm Framework)17 Jul 2025
- Building further on AI literacyTranslates the open standard in Article 4 into a concrete multi-year action plan, and makes clear that the obligation concerns taking measures and not a prescribed training level per employee.PublishedGuidelinesDutch Data Protection Authority (AP)23 Oct 2025
- Work agenda for coordinating AI and algorithm supervision 2026Names promoting AI literacy as one of the five substantive priorities for 2026.PublishedNational guidanceDutch Data Protection Authority (AP), Algorithm Coordination Directorate26 Mar 2026
What does this mean for you?
Provider+
Take measures that support the development of AI literacy among staff and others operating or using AI systems on your behalf. Tailor the measures to knowledge, experience, education, context and impact.
Deployer+
Determine what guidance fits staff and others using AI systems on your behalf. Training can help alongside work instructions, practical support and periodic updates.
SME / Startup+
Start by mapping AI use, roles and risks. Then choose feasible measures and keep an internal record of why they fit your context. Article 4 contains no general SME exemption.
Public Sector+
Connect AI literacy to specific public processes and potential citizen impact. The law requires no fixed individual level, but context and affected persons must be considered.
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Cross-references
Frequently asked questions
What is AI literacy under the AI Act?+
AI literacy covers the skills, knowledge and understanding that help people use AI systems in an informed way and understand opportunities, risks and potential harm. Article 4 requires providers and deployers to take measures that support its development.
Who does the AI literacy obligation apply to?+
Article 4 addresses providers and deployers of AI systems. Their measures must cover staff and other persons operating and using AI systems on their behalf.
When does Article 4 on AI literacy apply?+
Article 4 has applied since 2 February 2025. The amended wording in Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 has applied since 27 July 2026.
Do SMEs also need to comply with Article 4 of the AI Act?+
Yes. Article 4 contains no general SME exemption. The Commission and Member States must, however, support and facilitate the efforts of providers and deployers, particularly SMEs.
Does everyone need to reach the same AI literacy level?+
No. Article 4 expressly states that providers and deployers do not have to guarantee a specific level of AI literacy for any individual. Measures may differ by role and context.
Is a specific AI literacy training mandatory?+
No. Article 4 does not prescribe a specific training or standard course. Training can be an appropriate measure alongside guidance, work instructions and practical support.
Does Article 4 of the AI Act also apply to AI systems I purchase?+
Yes. An organisation using a purchased AI system under its own authority may be a deployer. Article 4 looks at the role and use, not only at who developed the system.
How should Article 4 measures be documented?+
The European Commission says organisations can keep internal records of training and other guiding initiatives. Also record why measures fit the relevant knowledge, experience, education, context of use and impact.
Is a certificate mandatory under Article 4?+
No. The European Commission says no certificate is needed. A certificate can still form part of an internal record with training records, guidance and periodic review.
Is there a fixed Article 4 fine?+
There is no separate fixed fine amount for Article 4. From August 2026, national market surveillance authorities may apply proportionate sanctions or other enforcement measures under national law and based on the circumstances of the case.
Does the AI literacy obligation apply if I only use ChatGPT or Copilot?+
Article 4 can also be relevant when ChatGPT or Copilot is used for work. The European Commission explicitly says staff should then be informed about specific risks such as hallucinations.