EU urged to ensure timely implementation of AI Act as pressure for a delay mounts

Less than a year after adopting its landmark Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the European Union is reportedly preparing to delay the rollout of a large portion of the legislation. A call for a pause has gained traction due to heavy lobbying and concerns that the EU risks being left behind by the US and China in the race to profit from AI.

One option under consideration is a grace period of up to a year for companies that breach rules on high-risk AI uses. Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has also recently criticised the law as a “source of uncertainty,” adding to the momentum pushing for a delay. According to Politico, a decision to pause would underline Europe’s pivot from a global leader in AI regulation to a region focused on economic competitiveness.

However, the IAPP reports that in an appearance before the EU Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, a Commission official suggested that while an AI Act moratorium is "not on the table", targeted changes or delays to parts of the law could be in play as part of the Commission's digital simplification plans.  

In related news, European Digital Rights (EDRi), along with 30 other civil society organisations, including AccessNow and Statewatch, are demanding that the Commission and Member States urgently implement the AI Act. In an open letter, the groups outline their concerns that the deadline for Member States to enact the law and designate competent national authorities has passed, with almost none having fulfilled their obligations.

The letter also warns that the Commission’s planned digital omnibus package threatens to deregulate and delay the AI Act. They are calling on the Commission to utilise its oversight powers to ensure the timely implementation and enforcement of the law without further delay. The groups are calling on Member States to prioritise passing implementing legislation this year and to ensure national AI governance structures are well-resourced.

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