Privacy Concerns Surrounding the AI Act
Recent communications from over 50 organizations, including Access Now, Centre for Democracy and Technology Europe (CDT), and the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), have raised alarms regarding potential delays and reversals in the enforcement of the AI Act. These groups have urged EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen to refrain from actions that could undermine the key accountability mechanisms established by the Act.
Concerns Over Delays
The organizations express significant concern over the growing pressure to implement a ‘stop the clock’ mechanism that would suspend or delay the AI Act‘s implementation. They argue that the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda should not serve as a pretext for deregulation, especially in the absence of credible evidence supporting such measures. The letter emphasizes that EU regulations are built on fundamental values and principles, advocating for efforts to simplify regulations to enhance, rather than dismantle, existing legal protections.
Industry Pressure for Delays
This warning follows a request from CEOs of more than 40 European companies, including ASML, Philips, Siemens, and Mistral, who have called for a two-year clock-stop on the AI Act. Their argument centers on the need for reasonable implementation timelines for companies, allowing time for further simplification of the new rules.
Implementation Timeline of the AI Act
The AI Act is designed to regulate artificial intelligence systems based on the risks they pose to society. While the Act came into force in August 2024, its full application is not expected until 2027. The companies have specifically requested a pause on obligations concerning high-risk AI systems, which are set to take effect in August 2026, as well as for general-purpose AI models (GPAI), which are scheduled to be enforced from August 2025.
Code of Practice and Compliance Issues
Additionally, the Code of Practice for GPAI, which aims to assist AI model providers like ChatGPT and Gemini in complying with the AI Act, has yet to be finalized. The draft was prepared by experts appointed by the Commission and is now expected to be released in July. Companies are expressing concerns about insufficient time to comply with regulations before their enforcement starts this August, leading them to seek a grace period for compliance.
Future Directions and Challenges
Thomas Regnier, the Commission spokesperson on digital matters, indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the timing of the implementation of the Code of Practice, with the end of 2025 being considered. This timeline would precede the enforcement deadlines of the AI Act — 2026 for new models and 2027 for existing models.
The drafting process has faced criticism since it began in September 2024, as major technology companies, publishers, and rights-holders have voiced concerns that the proposed rules may violate the EU’s Copyright laws and hinder innovation.
As the landscape of AI regulation continues to evolve, the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring accountability remains a critical challenge for policymakers.
