EU Reaches Provisional Deal on Landmark AI Act

After intense negotiations, the act is expected to become law by mid-2024, regulating AI technologies and addressing potential risks.

European lawmakers have reached a provisional deal on landmark artificial intelligence rules, known as the EU AI Act, after two years of discussion and a three-day marathon debate.
The act aims to combat risks or negative consequences for individuals or society that artificial intelligence could cause, with a focus on tools already being deployed in fields like policing, job recruitment, and education.
Last-minute delays stemmed from policymakers scrambling to ensure new AI technologies, as well as yet-undeveloped future ones, fell under the legislation’s scope.
France, Germany, and Italy sought last-minute compromises for foundation AI models, stonewalling negotiations over concerns that tough restrictions could reduce innovation and harm startups in their jurisdictions.
The final legislation is still subject to change and is expected to become law by mid-2024, with all provisions coming into force gradually over the next two years.