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# Recital 21

*In force · Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024 · Checked against EUR-Lex on 28 Sep 2026 · [Official source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024R1689)*

In order to ensure a level playing field and an effective protection of rights and freedoms of individuals across the Union, the rules established by this Regulation should apply to providers of AI systems in a non-discriminatory manner, irrespective of whether they are established within the Union or in a third country, and to deployers of AI systems established within the Union.