How the AI Act Applies to E-Commerce

Abstract

This article researches the following questions: To what extent do the provisions of the AI Act apply to e-commerce companies that use AI? To what extent is this in line with the objectives of the AI Act, considering the risks in relation to the use of AI for e-commerce?

The AI Act has a risk-based approach. For e-commerce companies to comply with the AI Act, it is important to know how applicable it is to their activities. Some e-commerce activities might be under the prohibited practices in the AI Act. However, most of the e-commerce activities are not entirely regulated by it since they are not classified as high-risk AI systems under the AI Act. Since e-commerce can pose serious risks, especially regarding manipulation and discrimination, the AI Act leaves a regulatory gap in the use of AI in e-commerce.