EU expands AI Office as AI Act enforcement begins

The European Union has unveiled a larger enforcement team to police AI companies globally as the AI Act comes into force. The rules require companies to clearly tell consumers, through labels or digital watermarks, when chatbots or images have been generated using AI.

Brussels plans to monitor AI models for possible breaches involving sexually explicit material, fake photos and videos, and cyber threats to public infrastructure. The European Commission said the regulations also cover systemic risks, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, loss of control, cyber offence, harmful manipulation and threats to fundamental rights.

The EU is expanding its AI Office in Brussels with 38 additional staff to monitor companies ranging from newer firms to US and Chinese technology giants such as OpenAI and DeepSeek. The bloc can require companies to document information, interview staff during investigations, receive confidential reports through whistleblower and compliance tools, and fine companies or block access to the EU market for violations.

The enforcement push fits into a broader tech sovereignty strategy aimed at reducing dependence on US software companies and Chinese imports while strengthening European industry, trade ties and AI infrastructure.