AI Act: Trilogue negotiations on relaxed AI rules failed
EU trilogue negotiations on proposed amendments to the AI Act have reportedly failed, despite a tight deadline and the urgency to refine regulations for artificial intelligence. The discussions, aimed at potentially loosening rules around AI, concluded without an agreement between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission, leading to mutual accusations among the involved parties. The stalled talks could jeopardize crucial protections, such as those designed to prevent the creation of AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery. A significant point of contention centered on proposed exceptions for industrial AI systems, which the Parliament sought to reclassify by focusing on the actual safety function rather than inherent risk. Disagreements also persisted over the definition and scope of "nudifier" applications, generative AI tools capable of creating non-consensual intimate content. The Parliament’s desire to prevent such content clashed with the Council and Commission over how broadly to define the affected body parts. These negotiations are part of the broader "Digital Omnibus" initiative, intended to simplify digital sector regulations and boost Europe's competitiveness by reducing bureaucratic burdens. However, the package remains controversial, also including potential relaxations to the GDPR concerning AI training data and a redefinition of personal data. The AI Act's most critical provisions for high-risk AI systems are scheduled to take effect in August 2026, highlighting the pressing need for resolution.
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