EU Parliament passes Digital Omnibus amendment delaying high-risk AI rules

The European Parliament has voted 423 in favour, 57 against and 174 abstentions in favour of an amendment to the Digital Omnibus package on artificial intelligence (AI). The passed amendment delays the application dates for parts of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) while guidance and other compliance-related support measures are finalised. The new deadlines will apply from 2 December 2027 for standalone high-risk AI systems and 2 August 2028 for embedded AI systems as safety components. The application of rules around AI watermarking is delayed until 2 December 2026.

The amendment also includes:

• A ban on AI systems used to generate non-consensual sexual and intimate content, 
• The removal of overlapping requirements for AI embedded in machine products needed to meet sectoral safety requirements, 
• The ability to lawfully process personal data to detect and correct biases in high-risk AI systems.

The Council of the European Union will now vote to adopt the amendment before it can enter into force. 

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