GPAI (General-Purpose AI)

GPAI stands for general-purpose AI. It refers to versatile AI models such as large language models that are not built for a single task but for many. The EU AI Act contains its own rules for GPAI models and their providers.

What is GPAI?

GPAI is the abbreviation for general-purpose AI. Such models are not tied to a single function but can be used for many different tasks. The most prominent example is large language models (LLMs), which can translate, summarise, write and program, often all with the same model.

Note: this article offers orientation, not legal advice. For binding questions, speak to a lawyer.

GPAI versus specialised AI

A specialised AI fulfils exactly one task, such as detecting spam. A GPAI model is the flexible foundation on which many applications build. Generative AI and modern conversational AI usually build on GPAI models. Important: GPAI describes the underlying model, not the individual application.

What the EU AI Act provides for GPAI

The EU AI Act treats GPAI models in a separate set of rules that mainly addresses the providers of these models, for example with requirements on technical documentation and transparency. To be distinguished from this are the high-risk obligations and the transparency obligation under Article 50, which attach to the specific application.

What this means for SMEs

The GPAI obligations primarily affect the makers of large models, not the SME that uses a finished product. For you as a user, the transparency obligation is usually the relevant point: when a chatbot based on GPAI writes to your customers, you need the AI disclosure.

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