How Big Tech, US pressure may have pushed Europe to propose ‘changes’ in its landmark AI law

The European Commission is reportedly proposing to delay enforcement of portions of its artificial intelligence (AI) law following intense pressure from Big Tech companies and the US government.

According to a report, Brussels plans to weaken part of its digital regulations, including its AI Act that entered into force last year, in a decision on a simplification package set for November 19.The Financial Times reported that the draft proposal comes during a broader debate over how aggressively the EU should enforce its digital rules amid fierce backlash from Big Tech companies supported by US President Donald Trump.

What may change in Europe’s AI law

Citing the draft proposal, The Financial Times claims that the commission is considering giving companies that breach rules on the highest-risk AI use a one-year grace period. The draft remains subject to informal discussions within the commission and with European capitals and could change before its adoption on November 19, officials said.Once the commission puts forward its proposal, it must be approved by a majority of EU countries and the European parliament.

Providers of generative AI systems already on the market before the implementation date could receive a one-year pause from the laws “to provide sufficient time . . . to adapt their practices within a reasonable time without disrupting the market.”Brussels is also suggesting delaying fines for violations of new AI transparency rules until August 2027 “to provide sufficient time for adaptation of providers and deployers of AI systems” to implement the obligations.The draft also proposes making the compliance burden easier for companies and centralising enforcement through the EU's own AI office.

Pressure from Trump, Big Tech

The report highlights that the EU has faced pressure from the US government, Big Tech and European groups over its AI Act.The report also goes on to say that fears of provoking Trump into cutting intelligence or weapon supplies to Ukraine or starting a transatlantic trade war led Brussels to agree to a provisional trade deal in August. EU officials remain cautious about moves that could provoke White House retaliation.A senior EU official told the Financial Times the EU had been "engaging" with the Trump administration on adjustments to the AI Act and other digital regulations as part of its wider simplification process.