Article 86
CurrentFrom 2 Aug 2026Provide Clear and Meaningful Explanations of Certain High-Risk AI-Assisted Decisions
Applies to Deployer; Annex III High-Risk AI except point 2; decision with qualifying adverse effect.
- Actors
- Deployer
- AI class
- Annex III High-Risk AIHigh-Risk AI
- Themes
- Governance & AccountabilityPeople & Culture
Tracker Networks Guidance
When the conditions in Article 86 are met, provide the affected person with a clear and meaningful explanation of the AI system's role in the decision-making procedure and the main elements of the decision. Apply Union/national-law exceptions and avoid duplicating rights already provided under other Union law.
Official text
1. Any affected person subject to a decision which is taken by the deployer on the basis of the output from a high-risk AI system listed in Annex III, with the exception of systems listed under point 2 thereof, and which produces legal effects or similarly significantly affects that person in a way that they consider to have an adverse impact on their health, safety or fundamental rights shall have the right to obtain from the deployer clear and meaningful explanations of the role of the AI system in the decision-making procedure and the main elements of the decision taken. 2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to the use of AI systems for which exceptions from, or restrictions to, the obligation under that paragraph follow from Union or national law in compliance with Union law. 3. This Article shall apply only to the extent that the right referred to in paragraph 1 is not otherwise provided for under Union law.
Suggested controls
Related risks
AI-Related Fundamental Rights or Discrimination Harm
AI use may create discriminatory, unfair or other material adverse impacts on individuals or groups.
Failure to Explain AI-Assisted Decisions
A qualifying affected person may not receive the clear and meaningful explanation required for an adverse high-risk AI-assisted decision.