AI Act Updates in a Nutshell
Is your organization ready?
Legislative Development
On 26 March 2026, the European Parliament approved amendments to the AI Act, initiating trilogue negotiations with the Council of the EU and the European Commission.
The objective is to improve the operational application of the AI Act without changing its core structure.
What’s new?
1. More time for high-risk AI
Deadlines are likely moving:
- Dec 2027 → standalone high-risk AI
- Aug 2028 → AI embedded in regulated products
Translation: more time to prepare — but not less responsibility.2. Clear stance on nudifying AI
- Explicit ban on generating non-consensual explicit content
- Development of the tech itself is not banned
- Exception applies if strong safeguards are in place
But fines remain significant (up to €35M or 7% global turnover)3. Less duplication for regulated products
AI systems already covered under EU product laws (e.g. medical devices, toys, etc.) will follow a more aligned compliance approach.
Goal: simplify — not weaken — regulation.4. AI literacy stays (with flexibility)
Companies must still ensure their teams understand AI — but with fewer rigid requirements.
In practice: if your people don’t understand AI, compliance becomes impossible.5. Registration & data rules refined
- High-risk AI systems must still be registered
- Administrative burden reduced
- Sensitive data can be used for bias detection — but only when strictly necessary
What does this mean for businesses?
This update sends a clear message:
The EU is not backing down on AI regulation But it is trying to make compliance more realisticThe key point most are missing
The delay is not final yet.
Negotiations between EU institutions are ongoing — and until they conclude:
Existing obligations still apply Timelines are not guaranteedBottom line
Don’t treat this as a pause.
Treat it as a window to prepare properly.
Treat it as a window to prepare properly.
Organisations that act now will:
- reduce compliance risk
- avoid last-minute disruption
- gain a competitive advantage
