In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence regulation, the European Union is making significant strides with its comprehensive legislative framework known as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This act represents one of the world's first major legal initiatives to govern the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence technologies, positioning the European Union as a pioneer in AI regulation.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act categorizes AI systems based on the risk they pose to safety and fundamental rights. The classifications range from minimal risk to unacceptable risk, with corresponding regulatory requirements set for each level. High-risk AI applications, which include technologies used in critical infrastructures, educational or vocational training, employment and workers management, and essential private and public services, will face stringent obligations. These obligations include ensuring accuracy, transparency, and security in their operations.

One of the most critical aspects of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is its approach to high-risk AI systems, which are required to undergo rigorous testing and compliance checks before their deployment. These systems must also feature robust human oversight to prevent potentially harmful autonomous decisions. Additionally, AI developers and deployers must maintain detailed documentation to trace the datasets used and the decision-making processes involved, ensuring accountability and transparency.

For AI applications considered to pose an unacceptable risk, such as those that manipulate human behavior to circumvent users' free will or systems that allow 'social scoring' by governments, the act prohibits their use entirely. This decision underscores the European Union's commitment to safeguarding citizen rights and freedoms against the potential overreach of AI technologies.

The EU AI Act also addresses concerns about biometric identification. The general use of real-time remote biometric identification systems in publicly accessible spaces for law enforcement purposes is prohibited except in specific, strictly regulated situations. This limitation is part of the European Union's broader strategy to balance technological advancements with fundamental rights and freedoms.

In anticipation of the act's enforcement, businesses operating within the European Union are advised to begin evaluating their AI technologies against the new standards. Compliance will not only involve technological adjustments but also an alignment with broader ethical considerations laid out in the act.

The global implications of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act are substantial, as multinational companies will have to comply with these rules to operate in the European market. Moreover, the act is likely to serve as a model for other regions considering similar regulations, potentially leading to a global harmonization of AI laws.

In conclusion, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is setting a benchmark for responsible AI development and usage, highlighting Europe's role as a regulatory leader in the digital age. As this legislative framework progresses towards full adoption and implementation, it will undoubtedly influence global norms and practices surrounding artificial intelligence technologies.