EU rejects calls to delay AI Act

The European Commission has dismissed industry calls to delay the rollout of its landmark AI Act, confirming that the law will proceed according to its legally established timeline.

Despite appeals from major tech firms such as Alphabet, Meta, ASML, and French AI startup Mistral, the European Commission confirmed on Friday that the Artificial Intelligence Act will be implemented as scheduled.

“There is no pause, no grace period, and no stop-the-clock,” Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said at a press briefing, responding to recent pressure from tech industry leaders.

Under the timeline, the AI Act's provisions began taking effect in February 2024. Rules for general-purpose AI models will apply starting August 2024, and obligations for high-risk AI systems are set to begin in August 2026.

While the Commission said it plans to simplify some digital regulations by the end of the year — especially easing reporting requirements for small businesses — it remains firm on implementing AI rules without delay.

The AI Act, hailed as a global benchmark for AI regulation, aims to establish safeguards on a fast-moving technology currently dominated by the United States and China. However, some companies have raised concerns about compliance costs and regulatory burdens.

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