The European Union AI Act has entered a more concrete enforcement phase as transparency obligations and supervisory rules become increasingly relevant for providers and users of AI systems. For companies using digital tools in operational, commercial or human-resources processes, AI is no longer only an innovation topic; it is also a matter of compliance, security and accountability.
The European Commission indicates that transparency rules apply from August 2026, including obligations to inform users when they interact with AI systems and to label certain AI-generated or manipulated content. In parallel, obligations for high-risk systems follow a phased calendar, with extended deadlines for some categories until December 2027 and August 2028.
For the maritime and industrial environment, the practical issue is clear: companies need to understand where they use AI, what risks may affect data, processes and people, and how they can show that adopted tools are controlled and explainable. Areas such as recruitment, risk assessment, cybersecurity, technical documentation and customer interaction may gradually fall under clearer governance requirements.
The message circulated to ANCONAV members also highlights a related concern: the growing difficulty of distinguishing authentic content from manipulated content. As fraud attempts increasingly use AI-generated images, audio, video and text, source verification and critical thinking become protective measures as important as technical controls.
ANCONAV is considering a dedicated presentation on this topic with cybersecurity specialists, giving members an opportunity to discuss the new obligations, concrete risks and responsible use of artificial intelligence in practical terms.
Sources: information circulated by Gelu Stan to ANCONAV members; European Commission, AI Act and Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-generated Content.
Image: Mike MacKenzie, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.