Artificial intelligence in healthcare: how algorithms will support doctors

On 2 August, the AI Act comes into force; Article 4 of the Act provides for ‘AI literacy’ for all those involved in the operation and use of AI systems, and this will mark a key milestone for the European Union.

With the entry into force of Article 4 of the AI Act, training in artificial intelligence becomes a structural requirement for access to economic, professional and institutional spheres.

Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging technology but an integral part of the infrastructure underpinning production and social systems. It influences decision-making (see healthcare), public services (demand management) and economic dynamics (spending allocations). But it is also redefining the relationship between skills and work.

There is now a global consensus on the need to regulate artificial intelligence.

From 2 August, the rules on artificial intelligence will become fully enforceable. This applies not only to the regulations on high-risk systems, but also to the transparency obligations set out in Article 50 of the AI Act.

Users must be informed when they interact with AI systems.

Artificially generated or manipulated content must be clearly identifiable. Specific rules will apply to recognition systems used in particularly sensitive applications.

In Italia, the process appears to be underway, albeit unevenly. Businesses are integrating AI into their production processes. In the public sector, progress appears to be slower: the pace of innovation continues to outstrip that of institutional adaptation.

We would like to emphasise that the gap between systems is no longer measured in years, but in terms of their capacity for continuous adaptation.

Artificial intelligence is not a ‘technology’ that can be learnt once and for all; its ongoing development is linked to real-world contexts. It is no longer an optional skill, but an increasingly essential prerequisite for participating in the transformation processes currently underway. This transition is taking place against a backdrop of regulatory change as well.

The main points to consider include:

Corporate obligation: Organisations must ensure that staff who use or oversee AI systems understand how they work, the legal limitations, and the risks relating to privacy and ethics.

Continuing training: The level of training must be commensurate with the complexity of the system and the role of the employee (developers, decision-makers or operational users).

Awareness: It is essential that operators know how to interpret the machine’s outputs and avoid placing unconditional trust in automated decisions.

2 August 2026 is fast approaching. From that date, the transparency requirements set out in the AI Act will come into force. Systems that interact directly with users, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, will be required to make their artificial nature clear. Similarly, content generated or manipulated using AI, including deepfakes and synthetic speech, must be properly identified. The priority today is twofold: classification and regulation.

We would like to remind you that, as part of the process of implementing the AI Act, on 10 July 2025, the European Commission published the Code of Good Practice on Artificial Intelligence, which is intended as a technical and voluntary ‘soft law’ instrument, designed to guide developers and providers of GpAI models – particularly those posing systemic risks – towards full compliance with the new regulatory framework.