EU Commission advances AI Act rollout with new Service Desk and Single Information Platform

The question

How will the EU’s new AI Act Single Information Platform support businesses developing or deploying AI systems in the EU?

The key takeaway

The European Commission has launched a beta version of the AI Act Single Information Platform - a central hub designed to help organisations understand whether and how the AI Act applies to their systems. While the tools do not replace legal advice, they offer a structured starting point for businesses assessing their obligations under the rapidly approaching compliance deadlines.

The background

The EU AI Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024, establishes a harmonised framework for the trustworthy development and use of AI across the EU. Its obligations will be phased in until full applicability on 2 August 2027, with earlier deadlines for certain high-risk and prohibited uses.

To support implementation, the European AI Office must - under Article 62 of the Act - create a “single information platform” providing accessible resources for stakeholders. Although Article 62 is not due to take effect until August 2026, the Commission has released key components early, following earlier July 2025 guidance including the GPAI Code of Practice and compliance guidelines.

The development

In October 2025, the AI Office launched the AI Act Single Information Platform, forming part of a wider AI Act Service Desk. The platform consolidates practical tools and reference materials in one place, including:

• AI Act Compliance Checker - an interactive questionnaire guiding users through the Act’s scope and obligations. Based on responses, the tool provides indicative assessments of how an AI system may be classified under the Act (e.g., prohibited, high-risk, GPAI) and highlights relevant compliance steps. Each stage includes definitions and references for context;
• AI Act Service Desk - a channel for stakeholders to submit questions directly to the AI Office and receive written responses. As this service is in its early stages, its reliability and turnaround times remain to be tested;
• AI Act Explorer - a consolidated, searchable version of the AI Act, including annexes and recitals, designed to allow users to navigate the legislation more intuitively;
• implementation timeline and resource library - additional pages track key legislative deadlines and compile guidance from the Commission and Member States.

Why is this important?

Although still in beta, the platform arrives well ahead of the statutory deadline, reflecting the Commission’s push to accelerate readiness among both regulators and businesses. As compliance obligations begin to crystallise - particularly for providers, importers and deployers of high-risk AI systems - stakeholders should benefit from a single, authoritative point of reference.

However, businesses should treat the tools as indicative rather than determinative. The compliance checker cannot account for the nuances of a specific system or business model, and the Service Desk is not a substitute for formal guidance or legal advice. As enforcement ramps up towards 2027, organisations integrating AI into products and operations will need tailored assessments.

Any practical tips?

Businesses using, integrating, or developing AI systems should:

• use the Compliance Checker early to identify whether your AI systems are likely to fall within the Act’s scope and which obligations might apply;
• track updates to the Service Desk and platform, as functionality and content will evolve throughout 2026;
• review internal AI governance frameworks against upcoming deadlines, particularly for high-risk AI;
• seek tailored legal advice on classification and compliance requirements - particularly for borderline or multi-use systems where the Act’s risk-based obligations are complex.

 Winter 2025