EU weakens AI rules and faces criticism for kowtowing to Big Tech

EU negotiators struck a provisional deal to soften parts of the AI Act, delaying some high-risk AI requirements until the end of 2027.

The agreement would exempt certain machinery already covered by sector-specific rules, easing compliance pressure on companies.

At the same time, the EU is adding stricter rules on nonconsensual explicit deepfakes and clearer AI content labeling.

The changes may reduce regulatory burden for industry while showing the bloc still wants to curb harmful AI uses.