EU could postpone flagship AI rules, tech chief says

The European Commission’s tech chief has opened the door to delay some parts of the EU’s artificial intelligence (AI) rulebook designed to limit risks of the technology, Report informs via Politico.

“If we see that the standards and guidelines ... are not ready in time, we should not rule out postponing some parts of the AI Act,” Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen said in Luxembourg during a meeting with EU digital ministers on Friday.

The world-first rules to tackle artificial intelligence risks were agreed in late 2023 and will gradually come into effect over the next year and a half. As well as banning the use of AI in certain scenarios, they set many requirements designed to minimize harmful effects. The first restrictions entered into force in February, with the next key dates in August 2025 and 2026.

But amid fierce lobbying over the rules, including from the US administration following the election of Donald Trump, companies are waiting for additional guidance or technical standards to help them meet their obligations.

While providers of the most complex AI models will be required to comply with new obligations starting August 2, a key guide in the form of a code of practice is not yet ready.

Industry has in recent weeks been pushing for a stop-the-clock mechanism. This would mean that application dates are postponed if standards and guidance are not ready in time.

Some EU ministers on Friday also signaled openness to delaying the restrictions.