The technology was mentioned in a wider Commission package on virtual worlds published March 31. “AI agents are software applications designed to perceive and interact with the virtual environment,” the text read. Agents can “operate autonomously,” but their work is set by “specific predefined rules.”
Leading AI companies have all been experimenting with their own AI agent applications. In January, OpenAI launched Operator, a research version of an AI agent that can carry out several tasks in a separate web browser. Microsoft has also been rolling out the possibility of creating agents in its AI “companion” Copilot. French AI company Mistral also offers a platform to build agents.
So far, the technology isn’t covered by any specific legislation, but the AI models that power the agents will have to abide by the EU’s binding AI Act.
The technology could also come into focus when the Commission explores specific legislation on algorithmic management, the idea that employees are being managed by algorithms, later this mandate.