GovernanceCore
Regulation

General-purpose AI model

GPAI model

Working definition

Reviewed 30 July 2026

Under the EU AI Act, a general-purpose AI model is an AI model—including one trained with large amounts of data using self-supervision at scale—that displays significant generality, can competently perform a wide range of distinct tasks, and can be integrated into a variety of downstream systems or applications.

Context

Why it matters

The classification triggers provider duties around technical documentation, downstream information, copyright policy, and training-content summaries, with additional obligations for models with systemic risk.

Operating note

What this looks like in practice

  1. 01Separate model-level obligations from system-level obligations.
  2. 02Assess generality, task range, integration patterns, and market placement.
  3. 03Maintain a dependency map linking the model to downstream systems and their owners.

Sources & further research

Primary authority anchors the definition. Research links add conceptual or operational depth. External sources may update independently; always verify legal duties against the current official text.

  1. Official source

    Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, Articles 3(63), 53, and 55

    Defines GPAI models and sets baseline and systemic-risk obligations.

    European Union
    2024    Open source ↗
  2. Official source

    Guidelines for general-purpose AI models

    Commission guidance on scope, provider status, exemptions, and the application of obligations.

    European Commission
    2025    Open source ↗