EU may delay AI Act after pressure from Trump administration
What's the story
The European Commission is considering postponing parts of its landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. The potential delay comes after intense pressure from businesses and the administration of US President Donald Trump. The Commission confirmed that "a reflection is still ongoing" on delaying aspects of the act, following media reports about possible changes to ease demands on companies.
Timeline adjustment
AI Act came into force in 2024
The EU's AI Act, the first of its kind in the world, came into force in 2024. However, many provisions are yet to be implemented. Most obligations for companies developing high-risk AI systems aren't due until August 2026 or 2027. The Commission is said to be mulling a one-year "grace period" for businesses violating rules on these high-risk AIs.
Enforcement adjustments
Potential changes to the AI Act
The Commission is also considering delaying fines for breaches of its new AI transparency rules until August 2027. This would give "sufficient time for adaptation of providers and deployers of AI systems" to meet their obligations. Further, greater flexibility is being considered for developers of high-risk systems over monitoring product performance on the market.
Industry feedback
Meta refused to sign Commission's code of practice
The potential changes to the AI Act could be revised before their expected release on November 19. Once published, they will have to be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament. Notably, Meta has already announced its decision not to sign the Commission's code of practice for general-purpose AI models earlier this year.
Local concerns
Letter signed by heads of 46 companies sent to EU
Not just US firms, but several European companies have also raised concerns over the regulation of this fast-evolving technology. A letter signed by 46 company heads including Airbus, Lufthansa and Mercedes-Benz advocated a two-year pause on the act for "reasonable implementation" and "further simplification of the new rules." European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said no decision had been taken yet on potential delays to targeted parts of the AI Act.