Under pressure from major technology companies, the European Commission is set to introduce a "simplified proposal" on November 19, which would weaken key provisions of the already effective AI law. The draft plan proposes granting non-compliant companies a one-year grace period and postponing the implementation of transparency rule penalties until 2027. This legislation is considered the world's strictest AI regulatory framework and remains under informal discussion within the Commission and with EU member states.
Under collective pressure from technology giants, the European Commission is planning to suspend certain provisions of its Artificial Intelligence Act.
On November 7, media reports indicated that the European Commission is set to make a decision on the so-called "simplified proposal" on November 19, planning to relax some digital regulatory rules, including those in the AI Act that took effect last year. Although the AI Act came into force in August 2024, its main provisions will be implemented gradually over the coming years, with most regulations targeting high-risk AI systems originally scheduled to take effect in August 2026.
The draft is still under informal discussions within the Commission and with the capitals of EU member states and may still undergo changes before its adoption on November 19.
Grace Period and Delayed Penalties
According to the draft, the core adjustments proposed by the European Commission include two key measures. Providers of generative AI systems already on the market prior to the implementation date will be granted a one-year grace period to provide sufficient time to adjust their practices within a reasonable timeframe, avoiding market disruption.
For violations of AI transparency rules, the European Commission has proposed delaying the imposition of fines until August 2027, giving providers and deployers of AI systems ample time to adapt and fulfill their obligations.
The draft proposal also seeks to simplify compliance burdens for businesses and centralize enforcement powers through the EU's own AI Office. Previously, several companies, including Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, warned of the risk that the EU’s approach to regulating AI could isolate the region from cutting-edge services.
A spokesperson stated that discussions within the Commission regarding the possible postponement of the implementation of specific parts of the AI Act are ongoing, with various options under consideration. The spokesperson added that the EU remains fully supportive of the AI Act and its objectives.
Editor/Lambor
