The European Commission is reportedly considering delaying key provisions of the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) after mounting pressure from major tech companies and the Donald Trump administration. Some of the contemplated changes include granting a one-year grace period for providers of already-launched generative AI systems and postponing fines for transparency breaches until August 2027.
The AI Act, which went into force in August 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence and is intended to enforce strict rules on high-risk AI systems. However, many obligations (especially for general-purpose AI models) are set to take effect in 2026-27, and the push to delay reflects concerns from industry about readiness and competitiveness.
The move signals a rising trans-Atlantic tension: the Trump administration has warned of tariffs and described the EU’s regulatory approach as harmful to U.S. tech interests, while European tech regulators and firms emphasise sovereignty and standards. Meanwhile, firms like Meta Platforms and Airbus have joined European businesses calling for delays and simplification of the regulations.
In conclusion, while the European Commission says it remains fully behind the objectives of the AI Act, the fact that it is reconsidering rollout timelines underscores the challenge of balancing safety, innovation and global tech competition.
