In this guide
- What is AI literacy (Article 4)?Definition, who the duty covers and what a programme should include.
Key facts
| Definition | The skills and understanding needed to use, oversee and question AI responsibly |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Article 4 of the EU AI Act — a duty on providers and deployers |
| In force | Applies since 2 February 2025 |
| Who it covers | Staff and anyone operating AI on the organisation's behalf |
| Proportionate | Tailored to people's roles, the AI they use and its risk level |
| Evidence | Training records, role-based materials, an acceptable-use policy and an owner |
What the Article 4 duty actually says
Article 4 requires providers and deployers of AI to take measures to ensure, to their best extent, a sufficient level of AI literacy among their staff and other people operating AI on their behalf. It is outcome-based: there is no prescribed course, but you must make a genuine, proportionate effort and be able to show it. See what is AI literacy?
Who needs to be AI literate?
Everyone who uses, oversees or makes decisions based on AI — not just technical teams. The level should match the role: a general awareness baseline for all staff, deeper training for people who operate, configure or oversee higher-risk systems, and leadership awareness so the board can govern AI properly.
What an AI literacy programme should cover
Tailor content to risk and role, but most programmes cover: what AI is and how it fails; the organisation's AI policy and acceptable use; data protection and confidentiality; recognising bias and inaccurate output; when a human must stay in the loop; and how to raise concerns. Refresh it as tools and risks change.
How to evidence AI literacy
Keep it simple but documented: role-based training materials, attendance or completion records, your acceptable-use policy, and a named owner. That record is what demonstrates compliance to regulators and increasingly to buyers running supplier due diligence.
How AI literacy supports wider compliance
Literacy underpins everything else. People who understand AI's limits use it more safely, follow policy, and exercise meaningful human oversight. It is one of the cheapest, highest-leverage steps in an AI compliance programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is AI literacy under the EU AI Act?
The skills, knowledge and understanding that let staff use and oversee AI safely, lawfully and effectively, as required by Article 4.
When did the AI literacy duty start?
Article 4 has applied since 2 February 2025.
Who does the AI literacy obligation apply to?
Providers and deployers of AI, in respect of their staff and anyone operating AI on their behalf.
Is there a required AI literacy course?
No — the duty is outcome-based. You must take proportionate measures and be able to evidence them, but no specific course is mandated.
How do you evidence AI literacy?
With role-based training materials, completion records, an acceptable-use policy and a named owner.
Related guides
Sources
Last updated 19 June 2026.