AI governance glossary
General-purpose AI model (GPAI)
Definition
An AI model, typically trained on a large amount of data with self-supervision at scale, that shows significant generality, can perform a wide range of distinct tasks and can be built into many downstream systems. Models used only for research or prototyping before release are excluded. Providers of these models have their own duties under the EU AI Act, separate from the duties attached to AI systems.
Source: EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). A plain-language explanation for orientation, not the legal text; follow the source for the binding wording.
Duties of AI model providers →
Laws and policies on record that use it
- EU AI ActEuropean Union · Partially applicable
Duties that mention it
- Meet general-purpose AI model provider obligationsEU AI Act · European Union
- Providers of high-risk AI must have written agreements with suppliers of components, tools and servicesEU AI Act · European Union
- Providers of GPAI models must notify the Commission within two weeks of meeting the systemic-risk thresholdEU AI Act · European Union
- Providers of GPAI models must maintain technical documentation and inform downstream providersEU AI Act · European Union
- Non-EU providers of GPAI models must appoint an EU authorised representativeEU AI Act · European Union
- Providers of systemic-risk GPAI models must track and report serious incidents to the AI OfficeEU AI Act · European Union
- Providers of systemic-risk GPAI models must secure the model and its infrastructureEU AI Act · European Union
Related terms
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- Red teaming (AI)Structured adversarial testing in which testers try to make an AI system fail: produce harmful output, leak da...
- Systemic risk (general-purpose AI)Under the EU AI Act, a general-purpose AI model has systemic risk when it has high-impact capabilities, which...
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Frequently asked questions
What does "General-purpose AI model" mean?
An AI model, typically trained on a large amount of data with self-supervision at scale, that shows significant generality, can perform a wide range of distinct tasks and can be built into many downstream systems. Models used only for research or prototyping before release are excluded. Providers of these models have their own duties under the EU AI Act, separate from the duties attached to AI systems.
Where does the term General-purpose AI model come from?
This explanation follows EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). It is a plain-language paraphrase for orientation; the source has the binding wording.
Which laws and policies use the term General-purpose AI model?
Among the records on this site: EU AI Act (EU).