BRUSSELS, July 18 (Reuters) - The European Commission

set out guidelines on Friday to help AI models it has determined

have systemic risks and face tougher obligations to mitigate

potential threats comply with European Union artificial

intelligence regulation (AI Act).

The move aims to counter criticism from some companies about

the AI Act and the regulatory burden while providing more

clarity to businesses which face fines ranging from 7.5 million

euros ($8.7 million) or 1.5% of turnover to 35 million euros or

7% of global turnover for violations.

The AI Act, which became law last year, will apply on Aug. 2

for AI models with systemic risks and foundation models such as

those made by Google, OpenAI, Meta Platforms ( META ),

Anthropic and Mistral. Companies have until August 2 next year

to comply with the legislation.

The Commission defines AI models with systemic risk as those

with very advanced computing capabilities that could have a

significant impact on public health, safety, fundamental rights

or society.

The first group of models will have to carry out model

evaluations, assess and mitigate risks, conduct adversarial

testing, report serious incidents to the Commission and ensure

adequate cybersecurity protection against theft and misuse.

General-purpose AI (GPAI) or foundation models will be

subject to transparency requirements such as drawing up

technical documentation, adopt copyright policies and provide

detailed summaries about the content used for algorithm

training.

"With today's guidelines, the Commission supports the smooth

and effective application of the AI Act," EU tech chief Henna

Virkkunen said in a statement.

($1 = 0.8597 euros)