The initial phase targets what the regulation classifies as "unacceptable risk" AI systems - including social scoring, real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, and manipulative AI designed to exploit vulnerabilities. Penalties for violations can reach €35 million or 7% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher. For a seed-stage startup, that's not a fine. That's an extinction event.
During the day, the space glows with a riot of pop art and sunlight shining on a mishmash of couches and midcentury chairs. Visits kick off with amuse-bouches, yet the wine list, plotted on a New York magazine-style matrix of flavors, skews casual. The food menu, dreamed up by owner Disco and chef Dana Amromin, mostly consists of desserts, like earthy tahini cheesecake or masala chai ice cream sundaes, but the bar only serves customers at least 21 years old.