The European Parliament and member states have recently agreed to amend certain elements of the bloc’s landmark AI Act and delay its implementation, following pressure from various entities across the technology ecosystem.
A statement released by the council of the European Union explained the rules had been simplified and streamlined, part of a wider drive from the European Commission to loosen digital rules.
Amendments include pushing the timeline for applying rules on so-called high-risk AI systems by up to 16 months, which covers those using biometrics or related to critical infrastructure.
Previously, it had a timeline to implement the rules by 2nd August 2026.
It has also pushed back timelines on companies complying with legal requirements on putting AI into products like toys, with a deadline of August 2028 set.
AI-related machinery will now be excluded from the AI Act, as it is already subject to sectoral rules.
Other changes include a ban on apps and systems that can generate non-consensual sexual images and child sexual abuse material, which will be in force by December.
The changes still need sign-off from EU governments and the European Parliament, with the process set to continue over the coming months.
Marilena Raouna, deputy minister of European Affairs for Cyprus, said the agreement significantly supports European companies by reducing recurring administrative costs. “It ensures legal certainty and a smoother and more harmonised implementation of the rules across the union, strengthening EU’s digital sovereignty and digital competitiveness”.
When introduced in 2023, the act was considered a watershed moment in AI legislation. It sought to classify different AI technologies by risk level and issue bans on systems deemed unsafe or harmful to fundamental rights. However, it has faced a backlash from both European and US tech giants.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: EU
