EU countries, lawmakers reach new deal to soften AI AI rules under AI Act

EU countries and lawmakers clinch provisional deal to watered-down AI rules

Francis Maguire reports that EU countries and European Parliament lawmakers on Thursday agreed to watered-down landmark artificial intelligence rules, including delaying their implementation, in a move that critics say shows Europe caving to Big Tech.

They reached a temporary agreement on new AI regulations, but the rules have been weakened compared to earlier, stricter proposals.

The EU has agreed in principle on how to regulate artificial intelligence, but the final rules are less strict than originally planned due to compromises during talks.

The news also comes after companies complained about overlapping regulation and red tape, as they believe it hurts their ability to compete with US and Asian rivals.

EU governments and lawmakers agreed to delay rules on high-risk AI systems to December next year.

Additionally, those systems include biometrics or anything related to critical infrastructure and law enforcement.

EU lawmakers also agreed to exclude machinery from the AI Act, as it's already subject to sectorial rules.