The Dutch government has released version 1.1 of its AI Act Guide, setting a strong example for AI Act readiness across Europe. Published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, this free 21-page document is one of the most practical and accessible resources currently available. It is designed to help organizations—whether businesses, developers, or public authorities—understand how the EU AI Act applies to them.
The guide provides a four-step approach that makes compliance easier to navigate: start with risk rather than abstract definitions, confirm whether your system meets the EU’s definition of AI, determine your role as either provider or deployer, and finally, map your obligations based on the AI system’s risk level. This structure gives users a straightforward way to see where they stand and what responsibilities they carry.
Content covers a wide range of scenarios, including prohibited AI uses such as social scoring or predictive policing, as well as obligations for high-risk AI systems in critical areas like healthcare, education, HR, and law enforcement. It also addresses general-purpose and generative AI, with requirements around transparency, risk mitigation, and exceptions for open models. Government entities get additional guidance on tasks such as Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments and system registration. Importantly, the guide avoids dense legal jargon, using clear explanations, definitions, and real-world references to make the regulations understandable and actionable.
My take on the Dutch AI Act Guide is that it’s one of the most practical tools released so far to help organizations translate EU AI Act requirements into actionable steps. Unlike dense regulatory texts, this guide simplifies the journey by giving a clear, structured roadmap—making it easier for businesses and public authorities to assess whether they’re in scope, identify their risk category, and understand obligations tied to their role.
From an AI governance perspective, this guide helps organizations move from theory to practice. Governance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical use of AI. The Dutch approach encourages teams to start with risk, not abstract definitions, which aligns closely with effective governance practices. By embedding this structured framework into existing GRC programs, companies can proactively manage AI risks like bias, drift, and misuse.
For cybersecurity, the guide adds another layer of value. Many high-risk AI systems—especially in healthcare, HR, and critical infrastructure—depend on secure data handling and system integrity. Mapping obligations early helps organizations ensure that cybersecurity controls (like access management, monitoring, and data protection) are not afterthoughts but integral to AI deployment. This alignment between regulatory expectations and cybersecurity safeguards reduces both compliance and security risks.
In short, the Dutch AI Act Guide can serve as a playbook for integrating AI governance into GRC and cybersecurity programs—helping organizations stay compliant, resilient, and trustworthy while adopting AI responsibly.
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Source: AI Governance: 5 Ways to Embed AI Oversight into GRC
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