Glossary · AI in business

AI Literacy

In short

AI literacy means staff use AI tools competently and know their opportunities and risks. The EU AI Act requires companies that use AI to take measures that promote it.

Explained simply

The EU AI Act is the European law on artificial intelligence. Its Article 4 affects almost every company. It is enough for staff to use ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot in their daily work. There is no exemption for small companies.

The obligation has applied since 2 February 2025. In July 2026 the EU amended it with the so-called Digital Omnibus. Since then, companies must take measures that promote their staff's AI literacy. They do not have to guarantee a specific level of knowledge.

Picture a tax advisory firm in Linz. The team lets ChatGPT draft letters. Then everyone should know that AI can invent facts. And confidential client data does not belong in a freely available tool.

What does this mean for your business?

First, find out who uses which AI tools and for what. Then match the measures to the roles. Managers need different knowledge from teams who work with AI every day. Keep an internal record of who received which training or briefing.

Frequently asked questions

What AI skills does Article 4 of the AI Act require?
The law sets no fixed curriculum. What matters is the role, prior knowledge and how your company uses AI. Typical topics are the basics of the tools, their limits and handling data safely.
Is AI literacy mandatory?
Yes, for companies that use AI. Since the Digital Omnibus, measures that promote literacy are enough. The law requires no certificate and no minimum number of hours.
How do I prove AI literacy?
According to the European Commission, no certificate is needed. An internal record of the training and other measures is enough.

How JJW helps

AI in business

Our training for managers and teams is one possible measure under Article 4. It does not replace legal advice.

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Author: Jeremy James Wilhelm · Sources: EUR-Lex: AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, EUR-Lex: Digital Omnibus, Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, European Commission: AI Literacy – Questions & Answers