EU AI Act guidance delay raises compliance uncertainty
Critics warn that further delays could weaken confidence in the EU AI Act and leave companies unclear about upcoming compliance requirements.
The European Commission has missed a key deadline to issue guidance on how companies should classify high-risk AI systems under the EU AI Act, fuelling uncertainty around the landmark law’s implementation.
Guidance on Article 6, which defines high-risk AI systems and stricter compliance rules, was due by early February. Officials have indicated that feedback is still being integrated, with a revised draft expected later this month and final adoption potentially slipping to spring.
The delay follows warnings that regulators and businesses are unprepared for the act’s most complex rules, due to apply from August. Brussels has suggested delaying high-risk obligations under its Digital Omnibus package, citing unfinished standards and the need for legal clarity.
Industry groups want enforcement delayed until guidance and standards are finalised, while some lawmakers warn repeated slippage could undermine confidence in the AI Act. Critics warn further changes could deepen uncertainty if proposed revisions fail or disrupt existing timelines.
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