General-purpose AI refers to AI models, including large generative models, that display significant generality and are capable of competently performing a wide range of distinct tasks, regardless of the way the model is placed on the market.
In practiceThe EU AI Act introduces a dedicated regime for general-purpose AI models, with baseline obligations for all GPAI providers and additional obligations for models presenting systemic risk. Baseline duties include technical documentation, information for downstream deployers, copyright policy and a training data summary. Practitioners often confuse the model layer with the system layer: a downstream deployer that integrates a GPAI model into a high-risk system retains its own provider obligations under the high-risk regime.
A bank that integrates a third-party general-purpose model into a customer-facing assistant treats the model as an input subject to GPAI obligations on its provider, while the bank remains responsible as the provider or deployer of the AI system it puts on the market.
This definition is maintained by Moweb partners and used in live client engagements. For how General-purpose AI applies to your estate, or to challenge a working definition, speak to a partner.