Free CPD-Accredited Course Prepares Professionals for the World's Most Significant AI Regulation
Alison has launched a new CPD-accredited course: Understanding the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This free online course demystifies the world's first comprehensive legal framework on AI — equipping developers, business leaders, compliance professionals, and policymakers with a clear understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and obligations as the Act moves towards full application. With the EU AI Act entering full effect on 2 August 2026, the window for preparation is closing fast.
The course walks learners through the Act's four-tier risk classification system — from outright prohibited practices to high-risk requirements, transparency obligations, and minimal-risk systems — and explains the compliance steps organisations must take for each. Learners will explore the roles of AI providers, deployers, and national authorities; the obligations that apply to General-Purpose AI models; and the ethical principles underpinning the entire regulatory framework. No prior legal or technical knowledge is required.
The Regulation That Is Reshaping Artificial Intelligence Globally
The EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689), which entered into force on 1 August 2024, is already the most consequential piece of AI legislation on the planet — and its reach extends well beyond Europe's borders. Any organisation worldwide that develops or deploys AI systems used by people in the EU is subject to its requirements. Prohibited practices — including social scoring, real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, and AI systems that exploit psychological vulnerabilities — have been banned since February 2025. Rules governing General-Purpose AI models, including large language models, became applicable in August 2025. Transparency obligations for chatbots and AI-generated content take effect in August 2026.
For high-risk AI systems, including those used in hiring, education, critical infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement, compliance obligations come into force from December 2027, giving organisations a narrowing runway to build compliant systems from the ground up. The recent 'AI Omnibus' agreement of May 2026 added further prohibitions, including a ban on AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery, and extended compliance support to small and mid-cap companies.
Why Understanding the EU AI Act Matters Right Now
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, stated: "The EU AI Act is not a distant regulatory horizon — it is here. Organisations that wait until deadlines arrive to understand their obligations will find themselves unprepared, exposed to significant penalties, and potentially locked out of the European market. We want to make sure that anyone who needs to understand this law — whether they are a software developer in Lagos, a compliance officer in Toronto, or an entrepreneur in Dublin — can access clear, credible, free education on it today."
This launch strengthens Alison's growing portfolio of AI literacy and digital regulation courses, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that the benefits and responsibilities of emerging technology are accessible to learners everywhere, regardless of their background or budget.
To learn more or enrol in the course, visit: alison.com/course/understanding-the-eu-artificial-intelligence-act
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
