High-risk AI system: A high-risk AI system is one used in the sensitive areas listed in Annex III of the AI Act, such as education, employment and access to essential services, or one that is part of a product covered by the EU safety laws listed in Annex I. High-risk systems carry the Act's strictest duties.
In plain words
High-risk is about what the AI decides, not how clever it is. AI that helps decide who gets a job, a loan or a school place is high-risk; a chatbot answering opening hours is not.
What it means for a small business
Most small businesses don't use high-risk AI. One area to watch is hiring: using AI to screen applicants or make decisions about staff is a high-risk use. The AI Digital Omnibus moved these rules: Annex III uses apply from 2 December 2027, Annex I products from 2 August 2028.
Example
ExampleA software tool that ranks job applicants' CVs and rejects some automatically is high-risk. An AI that drafts the job advert is not.
Source
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, the AI Act, Article 6, Annex I and Annex III, on EUR-Lex. This page explains the term in plain words; it is not legal advice.