# Recital (97)

The notion of general-purpose AI models should be clearly defined and set apart from the notion of AI systems to 
enable legal certainty. The definition should be based on the key functional characteristics of a general-purpose AI 
model, in particular the generality and the capability to competently perform a wide range of distinct tasks. These 
models are typically trained on large amounts of data, through various methods, such as self-supervised, 
unsupervised or reinforcement learning. General-purpose AI models may be placed on the market in various ways, 
including through libraries, application programming interfaces (APIs), as direct download, or as physical copy. 
These models may be further modified or fine-tuned into new models. Although AI models are essential 
components of AI systems, they do not constitute AI systems on their own. AI models require the addition of further 
components, such as for example a user interface, to become AI systems. AI models are typically integrated into and 
form part of AI systems. This Regulation provides specific rules for general-purpose AI models and for 
general-purpose AI models that pose systemic risks, which should apply also when these models are integrated or 
form part of an AI system. It should be understood that the obligations for the providers of general-purpose AI 
models should apply once the general-purpose AI models are placed on the market. When the provider of 
a general-purpose AI model integrates an own model into its own AI system that is made available on the market or 
put into service, that model should be considered to be placed on the market and, therefore, the obligations in this 
Regulation for models should continue to apply in addition to those for AI systems. The obligations laid down for 
models should in any case not apply when an own model is used for purely internal processes that are not essential 
for providing a product or a service to third parties and the rights of natural persons are not affected. Considering 
their potential significantly negative effects, the general-purpose AI models with systemic risk should always be 
subject to the relevant obligations under this Regulation. The definition should not cover AI models used before their 
placing on the market for the sole purpose of research, development and prototyping activities. This is without 
prejudice to the obligation to comply with this Regulation when, following such activities, a model is placed on the 
market.

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Source: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (Artificial Intelligence Act) as amended by Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, consolidated text of 27 July 2026 (Official Journal of the EU). This page is AI-generated legal information, not legal advice. Verify against the Official Journal.
Canonical: https://euaiactlaw.com/recital/97