What is AI literacy?

AI literacy is the knowledge needed to use AI in an informed way, and the EU AI Act requires organisations to work on it.

The requirement has applied since February 2025. Organisations that use AI must take measures to support staff in understanding the systems they use, taking account of role and context.

The amending regulation from July 2026 softened the requirement, so no particular level has to be guaranteed for every employee. The duty to work on the question remains.

In practice it means staff know what the tool can do, where the limits are and that answers should be reviewed before they are used.

How it works

The work starts from which systems are used, and by whom. A case officer using an assistant for routine questions needs different knowledge from someone buying AI or someone reviewing decisions AI has prepared. Measures are adapted to role, experience and how large the risks are.

Everyone who uses the assistant gets a short introduction to what it does well and how to check sources. Those who make decisions with AI support get a deeper session on common mistakes and on responsibility.

Why it matters

Literacy means AI is used for the right things and answers are reviewed in the right way. It reduces the risk of shadow AI and of sensitive information ending up in the wrong service. It also gives staff the confidence to use the tools, which is where the value comes from.

What to keep in mind

AI literacy is not a one-off. New tools and features arrive often, and knowledge needs to keep pace.

Put the weight on judgement. Understanding where AI tends to go wrong matters more than knowing the technology behind it.

What it means for you

A short introduction per tool and role goes a long way. Document what you have done.

Common questions

What do we need to do to meet the requirement?

Take measures that fit your tools and roles, such as a short introduction and clear guidelines. No particular level of knowledge has to be guaranteed for each person.

Does it apply if we only use AI?

Yes. The requirement applies both to providers that develop AI systems and to deployers, meaning organisations that use AI in their work.

How do we show we have done it?

The Act does not require any particular certificate. Document what you have done, for which roles and when.

Sources: EU AI Act, Article 4, on EUR-Lex Amending Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 on EUR-Lex AI literacy questions and answers from the European Commission

Related terms

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