With important deadlines for the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act approaching, tech companies from the US and Europe are calling for a delay in its enforcement.
Call for Suspension of the Act
Over 40 tech groups representing companies like Google, Meta, and Mistral are urging a two-year pause before the key obligations of the AI Act come into effect. This demand arises from concerns about the lack of clear standards before the new law takes effect on August 2.
Burden on Companies
The new legislation requires developers of general-purpose AI (GPAI) to provide detailed technical documentation and risk assessments, imposing substantial compliance costs on companies. Developers express concern about the absence of necessary guidance to meet new requirements, creating uncertainty.
Prospects for Change
So far, the European Commission has not signaled any intention to shift the deadlines. However, there is precedent for delaying deadlines, and political leaders like Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have described parts of the regulations as 'confusing'.
Thus, tech companies express significant concerns regarding the implementation of the AI Act as currently drafted. The future of this legislation and the potential for amendments now depend on the response from the European Commission and influential political figures.
