AI literacy: a mandatory requirement
Since 2 August 2026, enforcement of Article 4 — which makes AI literacy mandatory — has become reality. Although the rule itself has existed since February 2025, its implementation got little attention until enforcement started. It's now time for businesses, especially SMBs, to act. This article explains why AI literacy matters and how your business can meet the requirement.
Why AI literacy matters
AI literacy means employees have enough knowledge to understand and responsibly use AI-related technology. With digitalisation accelerating, it's essential that every business understands how AI works — both to gain a competitive edge and to meet legal requirements.
Research from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce found that more than half of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands are still unfamiliar with this AI legislation. That knowledge gap can lead to significant legal and operational risk.
A compliance roadmap
To meet the AI literacy requirement, it's important to put the following steps in place across your organisation:
- Build awareness: Start by informing your staff about what AI literacy means and why it matters.
- Training and education: Offer training focused on AI fundamentals and their application within your business context. Consider working with specialised consultants, such as AI Advies Bureau, for tailored training programmes.
- Internal audits: Run regular checks to assess whether AI knowledge across your organisation is up to date and meets the legal requirement.
- Continuous learning: Encourage a learning culture where staff are prompted to keep updating their AI knowledge.
What you can do now
It's never too early to start preparing your organisation for this requirement. Consider requesting the free AI literacy compliance scan to find out where your business stands and which steps are needed to fully comply. AI Advies Bureau is ready to support you and help your team get on track.
Acting early doesn't just secure legal compliance — it also keeps you ahead of the competition in a fast-changing market.
Frequently asked questions
Since when is AI literacy mandatory?
Article 4 of the EU AI Act has required AI literacy since February 2025, but enforcement only became reality on 2 August 2026. Businesses that haven't acted yet need to make this a priority now.
What does AI literacy actually mean?
AI literacy means employees have enough knowledge to understand and responsibly use AI-related technology — not that everyone needs to build AI, but that people know the risks and limitations of using it.
How does my SMB comply with the requirement?
Four steps: build awareness among staff, offer targeted training, run internal audits to keep knowledge current, and encourage a continuous learning culture around AI use.