EU reaches tentative deal on simpler AI rules, plans ban on 'nudifier' apps

European Union member nations and European Parliament lawmakers have reached a provision deal on a watered-down landmark artificial intelligence (AI) rules as part of European Commission's so-called digital omnibus package.

The tentative agreement includes delaying the implementation of some obligations for AI systems to prevent legal uncertainty, the European Parliament said in a press release early Thursday after late-night negotiations.

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An agreement was reached to postpone rules on high-risk AI systems including those involving biometrics or related to critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement, and border management to December 2, 2027 from a prior deadline of August 2 this ​year.

The exclusion of machinery from the AI act was also assented to, with a view that it only needs to comply with sectoral safety rules which it is already subjected to.

The move by EU co-legislators is being seen by critics  as giving in to pressure from businesses.

 A mandatory watermarking of  AI-generated content will apply from  December 2.

"Today's agreement on the AI act significantly supports our companies by reducing recurring administrative costs. It ensures legal certainty and a smoother and more harmonized implementation of the rules across the Union, strengthening EU's digital sovereignty and overall competitiveness," Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of Cyprus said in a statement.

Cyprus is currently at the helm of the EU Council's rotating presidency. 

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Ban on "nudification" apps

EU member states and European Parliament negotiators also agreed to prohibition on AI applications used to create unauthorised sexually explicit deepfakes.

The content could include images, video or audio. Companies will have until December 2 this year to bring their systems in line.

The planned ban is also explicitly intended to cover the creation of material depicting child sexual abuse.

With its move, the EU is responding, among other things, to incidents from earlier this year, when users utilized US billionaireElon Musk's chatbot Grok  to generate and disseminate millions of sexually explicit AI-generated images of women and children online.

"We are stepping up the protection of children targeting risks linked to the AI systems. This agreement is clear evidence of our institutions' ability to act swiftly and deliver on our commitments," the statement said.

Simplification measures

The EU's ​AI Act entered into force in August 2024, with key provisions to come into operation in gradual stages.

Wednesday's amendments are part of the European Commission's drive to simplify its raft of new digital rules. 

The agreement would now require a formal approval from the European Parliament's plenary session and EU governments, generally considered a formality.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko