TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - European Union member nations and European Parliament lawmakers have reached a provisional deal on watered-down landmark artificial intelligence (AI) rules as part of the European Commission's so-called digital omnibus package.
The tentative agreement includes delaying the implementation of some obligations for AI systems to prevent legal uncertainty, the European Parliament said in a press release early Thursday after late-night negotiations.
What are the amendments to EU's Artificial Intelligence Act?
An agreement was reached to postpone rules on high-risk AI systems including those involving biometrics or related to critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement, and border management to December 2, 2027 from a prior deadline of August 2 this year.
The exclusion of machinery from the AI act was also assented to, with a view that it only needs to comply with sectoral safety rules which it is already subjected to.
The move by EU co-legislators is being seen by critics as giving in to pressure from businesses.
A mandatory watermarking of AI-generated content will apply from December 2.
"Today's agreement on the AI act significantly supports our companies by reducing recurring administrative costs. It ensures legal certainty and a smoother and more harmonized implementation of the rules across the Union, strengthening EU's digital sovereignty and overall competitiveness," Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of Cyprus said in a statement.
Cyprus is currently at the helm of the EU Council's rotating presidency.
Ban on "nudification" apps
EU member states and European Parliament negotiators also agreed to a prohibition on AI applications used to create unauthorized sexually explicit deepfakes.
The content could include images, video or audio. Companies will have until December 2 this year to bring their systems in line.
The planned ban is also explicitly intended to cover the creation of material depicting child sexual abuse.
With its move, the EU is responding, among other things, to incidents from earlier this year, when users utilized US billionaire Elon Musk's chatbot Grok to generate and disseminate millions of sexually explicit AI-generated images of women and children online.
"We are stepping up the protection of children targeting risks linked to the AI systems. This agreement is clear evidence of our institutions' ability to act swiftly and deliver on our commitments," the statement said.
Simplification measures
The EU's AI Act entered into force in August 2024, with key provisions to come into operation in gradual stages.
Wednesday's amendments are part of the European Commission's drive to simplify its raft of new digital rules.
The agreement would now require a formal approval from the European Parliament's plenary session and EU governments, generally considered a formality.
Read: EU Accuses Meta of Allowing Children Under 13 on Platforms
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Romanian Prime Minister Loses Confidence Vote in Parliament
1 hari lalu
Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has been voted out of office by lawmakers.
Indonesia Seeks Export Market Expansion to European Union
1 hari lalu
Indonesia is pushing for new export markets, including to the European Union, amid global uncertainty.
Trump to Raise Tariffs on Cars, Trucks from EU to 25%
5 hari lalu
Trump will raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25%, citing the bloc's non-compliance with its trade agreement with the US.
Why the EU Is Pushing for Removable Phone Batteries
7 hari lalu
In an official document, the European Union explains the definition of removable batteries.
EU Accuses Meta of Allowing Children Under 13 on Platforms
7 hari lalu
European Commission accuses Meta of breaching rules by allowing under-13s on Instagram and Facebook.
EU Weighs Giving US Data for Fewer Travel Restrictions
9 hari lalu
The EU is negotiating a framework that could allow the US to search national databases across the bloc as the price for keeping visa-free travel.
Record Number of Immigrants Reside in EU in 2025
14 hari lalu
The foreignborn population of the EU grew to around 64 million in 2025. Germany remains the biggest host of immigrants in absolute terms.
Iran Rebuffs EU Demands over Strait of Hormuz Blockade
16 hari lalu
The Iranian government has mocked a call by senior EU diplomat Kaja Kallas to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
EU-UN: Gaza Reconstruction to Cost US$71 Billion After War
16 hari lalu
The sectors destroyed in Gaza because of Israeli assaults include housing, health, education, trade, and agriculture, according to the EU-UN findings.
IMF: EU at Risk of Recession, Inflation Close to 5%
20 hari lalu
IMF expects the ECB to raise rates by 50 basis points by the end of 2026 amid rising short-term inflation expectations.
