The European Parliament voted on a simplification proposal for the Artificial Intelligence Act yesterday, after the previous confirmation of a new voting date, passing the measure with 569 votes in favor. This “digital omnibus” proposal establishes new, fixed application dates to provide legal certainty and ensure that necessary implementation guidance is ready for businesses. Under the new timeline, requirements for high-risk AI systems involving biometrics, critical infrastructure, and essential services are proposed to take effect on December 2, 2027, while AI systems covered by specific EU sectoral safety legislation have a proposed deadline of August 2, 2028.
Additionally, providers of AI-generated content must comply with watermarking rules for audio, image, video, and text by November 2, 2026.
The updated position introduces a ban on “nudifier” AI systems designed to create non-consensual sexually explicit imagery of real people, though systems with effective safety safeguards are exempt. To support economic growth, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have extended support measures to small Mid-cap Enterprises. The proposal also seeks to reduce regulatory overlap by allowing AI Act obligations to be less stringent for products already regulated under existing sectoral laws, such as medical devices and toys. This legislation now moves into negotiations with the Council to determine its final form.
The move led to formal extension of the compliance timeline to ensure businesses have a realistic window for adjustments, after EU regulators missed internal target dates for providing industry guidance. This initiative is part of a broader Digital Omnibus package introduced by the European Commission in late 2025, which aims to harmonize data protection and digital business laws.
