Artificial intelligence has gone from being an emerging tool to becoming a central component of how many organizations operate. According to IDC, Investment in Artificial Intelligence in Europe is expected to reach $144.6 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.3% between 2024 and 2028. This exponential growth has brought with it new questions about how to use this technology safely, transparently, and ethically. The European Union's response has been swift: a new law that marks a turning point.
He Artificial Intelligence Regulations, The AI Act, as it is known, was approved by the European Parliament in March 2024 and officially entered into force on August 1 of the same year. It is the world's first comprehensive regulation of AI use, aiming to ensure that its deployment is not only useful and cost-effective, but also respectful of fundamental rights and democratic principles. Unlike other regulatory frameworks, this law does not simply impose prohibitions, but proposes a risk classification system that determines the obligations of each system based on its level of impact on society.
In this regard, the law distinguishes between high-risk systems—such as those used in sensitive sectors like healthcare, employment, education, or justice—and more general uses that involve fewer legal requirements. In higher-risk cases, organizations will be obligated to guarantee data traceability, monitor the functioning of algorithms, and provide clear explanations of how decisions are made. Even systems considered to be of limited risk must be identifiable as artificial tools, especially if the user might believe they are interacting with a real person. For example, AI-generated content, such as images, text, or videos, will have to be clearly labeled.
Legislation in Spain
Spain, for its part, has not limited itself to applying the European regulation, but has initiated its own legal adaptation. In March 2025, the Government presented a draft bill which reinforces some aspects of the AI Act and focuses on key issues such as the protection of minors and the use of AI in public administration. This national framework stipulates, among other things, that digital platforms must verify parental consent before allowing minors access, in addition to establishing clear limits on the use of technologies such as facial recognition or deepfakes for sexual or manipulative purposes. In this new scenario, the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligencewill play a fundamental role as a regulatory body.
Artificial Intelligence in Business
For companies, this legislation represents a paradigm shift. It's not just about complying with new regulations, but about rethinking how any system using AI is designed, implemented, and monitored. In practice, this means conducting a risk assessment before deploying a technological solution, ensuring that models are auditable, documenting how and why decisions are made, and establishing procedures for periodic review. Furthermore, it will be crucial to train internal teams so they can identify and correct potential biases or ethical errors in the use of these technologies. Equally important will be staying up-to-date with legal documentation, as penalties for non-compliance can be very high, both financially and in terms of reputation.
In short, the new law not only obliges companies to adopt a more responsible attitude towards technology, but also offers them an opportunity to gain trust and legitimacy with customers, investors, and their teams. Adopting the AI with guarantees Not only does it avoid penalties, but it also strengthens the credibility and long-term value of the business. That's why from exceliaWe support organizations in this adaptation process, helping them harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence without compromising ethics, legality, or transparency. The future of AI is already here. The key lies in how we manage it.
