The European Parliament's Internal Market and Civil Liberties Committees adopted their common position on the proposal to simplify the Act for the Artificial Intelligence (AIA), with 101 votes in favour and 9 against. This initiative aims to postpone the activation of certain rules concerning high-risk artificial intelligence systems, as it was considered that the basic standards may not have been finalised by the original deadline of August 2026. Through their amendments, MEPs introduce fixed implementation dates, seeking to ensure predictability and legal certainty for all stakeholders in the European market, while simplifying the current framework.
For systems AI classified as high risk and involving the use of biometrics, critical infrastructure, education or law enforcement, a new date is proposed on December 2nd, 2027At the same time, for systems covered by sectoral European Union legislation on safety and market surveillance, the proposed date postponed for 2 August 2028. MEPs also support giving providers extra time to comply with the rules on watermarking audio, image and video content, proposing a short extension of the relevant deadline until November 2026, instead of February 2027.
Content creation restrictions and bans
An important addition to the European Parliament's position is the introduction of a ban on so-called "nudifier" systems, which use AI technology to create or tampering with sexually explicit images. The ban concerns cases where the content produced resembles an identifiable real person and the processing is carried out without their explicit consent. Michael McNamara, co-rapporteur of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, underlined that this compromise meets citizens' expectations for protection from such practices. This regulation aims to limit the digital abuse through the strict legislative framework of processing tools, effectively protecting privacy.
The proposed ban will not apply to artificial intelligence systems that effectively incorporate security measures, which technically prevent users from creating such content. At the same time, MEPs seek to enhance transparency in the digital environment, calling for the implementation of rules on the AI content watermarking which clearly indicate its origin. Although the European Commission had initially proposed extending this obligation until February 2027, Parliament proposes a more immediate response, setting the deadline at 2 November 2026. This approach seeks to strike a balance between technological adaptation and the need for immediate protection.
Facilitation for businesses and reduction of bureaucracy
In order to support competitiveness, the proposal includes measures to support small mid-cap companies (SMCs), extending the facilities applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises. Arba Kokalari, co-rapporteur of the Internal Market Committee, stressed the need for clear rules that would not penalise companies that introduce innovative features into safe products. In addition, service providers are allowed to process personal data for the identifying and correcting bias in artificial intelligence systems. This process will be carried out under strict safeguards and only when deemed absolutely necessary to ensure objectivity, while protecting the rights of users.
The MEPs' position places particular emphasis on avoiding overlaps between EU sectoral security rules and the Artificial Intelligence Act. It is argued that obligations should be less stringent for products already regulated by special legislation, such as medical devices and radio equipment. The European Commission is called upon to address any gaps by updating the relevant rules to ensure single market surveillanceThis simplification is considered crucial for reducing the administrative burden on businesses operating in multiple sectors, while enhancing consumer safety through a clear regulatory framework for the innovation.
Procedures for finalizing the framework
The process for finalizing the new rules is expected to accelerate in the near future, with the approval of the Parliament's mandate in plenary. The relevant vote in plenary is scheduled for 26 March 2026, which will mark the start of negotiations with the Council of the European Union. This legislation is part of the seventh "omnibus package" on simplification, which was presented by the European Commission in November 2025. The institutions aim to achieve a compromise between the Member States, which will allow for the smooth integration of digital rules into the existing legal framework, avoiding fragmentation.
This legislative project is directly linked to other initiatives being considered by the European Parliament, such as the proposal to create European business walletsAt the same time, work continues on the digital package concerning the amendment of the laws on the use and protection of dataThese moves are part of a broader effort by the European Union to modernize its digital arsenal, reducing fragmentation between national laws. The completion of these processes is considered essential to stimulate investment and facilitate the use of artificial intelligence in a safe and predictable environment for all citizens.
