Risk Analysis for AI Systems: How to Classify them According to the AI Act
How companies can correctly classify their AI systems in accordance with the AI Act – while minimizing regulatory, ethical, and safety risks.
What is risk analysis in the context of the AI Act?
Risk analysis is the foundation of all AI compliance under the AI Act. It serves to systematically assess the risks that an AI system poses to people, society, and fundamental rights – e.g., discrimination, lack of transparency, wrong decisions, or power asymmetries.
It includes, among other things:
- Identification of risks: What damage could occur and to whom?
- Probability and impact assessment: How serious is the risk?
- Assessment of the risk class: Which category does the system fall into according to the AI Act?
- Derivation of protective measures: What specific steps do we take to minimize risks?
Example: An HR tool that automatically pre-sorts applicant profiles could systematically discriminate against people based on age, origin, or gender, without malicious intent, but with serious consequences. Risk analysis identifies and addresses such problems at an early stage.
Table of Contents:
Why the Classification of AI Systems is Crucial
The Four Risk Categories Under the EU AI Act
Core Elements of a Risk Assessment Under the EU AI Act
Methods for Conducting an Effective Risk Assessment
Challenges and Solutions in Classifying AI Systems
Step-by-Step Example: Risk Assessment of an AI-Based Hiring Tool
Best Practices for AI Act Compliance
Conclusion: Risk-Based Compliance Is the Key to Responsible AI
Important: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided here is no substitute for personalized legal advice from a data protection officer or an attorney. We do not guarantee that the information provided is up to date, complete, or accurate. Any actions taken on the basis of the information contained in this article are at your own risk. We recommend that you always consult a data protection officer or an attorney with any legal questions or problems.