Source: Reuters

The European Commission has announced it will not delay the rollout of the landmark EU AI Act, despite industry calls for a pause to allow more time for compliance and technical adaptation. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the new rules on schedule, emphasizing the need to protect public interest, fundamental rights, and democratic values.

Officials stressed that regulatory clarity is crucial for both market stability and consumer safety as AI technologies spread rapidly across the EU. The decision comes after lobbying from tech companies and business associations, who argued that the law’s ambitious requirements could stifle innovation and impose high compliance costs.

Nevertheless, the Commission is moving forward, underscoring the urgency of establishing a robust legal framework for AI to address risks related to safety, bias, transparency, and accountability.