AI Act and HR: Adoption, Challenges, and Opportunities

Adoption and Compliance

Rate of AI Adoption in HR

Approximately 14% of French companies have integrated AI tools into their HR processes (recruitment, talent management, performance evaluation), a figure expected to rise rapidly as automation accelerates (Expectra.fr, 2025).

The AI tools used in HR are classified as “high risk” by the AI Act due to their direct impact on employees’ careers and fundamental rights (Lesechos.fr, 2025).

Regulatory Obligations

Companies must ensure transparency, conduct regular audits, and maintain human oversight for critical AI-driven decisions. Detailed documentation and traceability are now mandatory to demonstrate compliance in the event of an inspection or legal dispute (Prismemploi.eu, 2025).

Key Issues for HR

Challenges Related to Algorithmic Bias

AI systems used in recruitment have shown instances of discriminatory bias. For example, Amazon abandoned its automated screening tool in 2018 after discovering it systematically disadvantaged female applicants (Reuters, 2018).

A recent study revealed that certain algorithms favor names perceived as “white,” rejecting up to 30% of applications with foreign-sounding names (University of Washington, 2024).

Training and Awareness

HR teams need to build skills to understand and manage the ethical and regulatory implications of AI. This includes training on algorithmic biases, data governance, and interpreting outputs from AI systems (LinkedIn, 2024).

Human Oversight

The AI Act mandates that all critical decisions remain under human control, requiring HR processes to be adapted so that AI does not operate autonomously without human validation (Prismemploi.eu, 2025).

Advances and Opportunities

Mapping and Governance

Many companies are beginning to map their AI tools to identify high-risk systems and implement strong governance. Compliance with the AI Act is seen as an opportunity to reinforce employee trust and enhance fairness in HR processes (Expectra.fr, 2025).

Responsible Innovation

The European Union promotes the responsible use of AI while fostering innovation. This encourages businesses to invest in solutions that align with ethical and regulatory standards (Lesechos.fr, 2025).

Conclusion

French and European companies are still adapting to the AI Act, but they are making swift progress thanks to growing awareness of ethical and regulatory concerns. HR departments play a vital role in this transition, ensuring that AI usage is compliant, transparent, and respectful of fundamental rights.