The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) of the European Commission entered into force in August 2024, but its full obligations are set to phase in over subsequent years. Despite its pioneering status as the first comprehensive AI regulation by a major bloc, implementation has stirred worry among tech firms and some member states about the burden, ambiguity and global competitiveness impact of the rules.
Industry actors say the compliance timelines, liability regimes and scope of “high-risk” AI applications may impose heavy costs and hinder innovation. In response, a spokesperson for the European Commission admitted the regulator is “hearing concerns from the industry and from our member states” and said a broader package of digital-regulation relief will accompany possible adjustments to the AI law.
Possible tweaks being considered include extending implementation deadlines for certain obligations, simplifying reporting requirements, or providing more flexibility for companies that have already deployed AI systems. The Commission emphasised that no decision has yet been made, but reflection on the concerns is “ongoing”.
In sum, while the EU remains publicly committed to the AI Act’s goals of safety, transparency and human-centred AI, this step-back to consider industry feedback signals a recognition that regulatory ambition must be matched with operational feasibility and competitiveness in the global AI race.
