On August 9th, several major tech companies asked the European Commission to extend the deadline for meeting new rules on general-purpose artificial intelligence (GPAI). They explained that the summer break has made it difficult to gather the necessary feedback in time.
The request came from groups like DOT Europe, The Software Alliance, AmChamEU, and the Computer & Communications Industry Association. These organizations represent many of the top tech companies in Europe.
Concerns About the Short Consultation Period
The companies are concerned that the current time frame for giving feedback on the EU’s AI laws is too short. They noted that the summer break has limited their ability to collect detailed input from their members. To improve the quality of their responses, they suggested extending the consultation period by at least two weeks.
The European Union’s AI division began this consultation on July 30th, with a scheduled end date of September 10th. During this period, industry experts are invited to share their opinions on the proposed Code of Practice for GPAI models.
While the companies recognize the EU’s urgency in setting these rules, they stressed that quality should come before speed. “Our goal is to provide valuable answers and useful input to this consultation,” the letter stated. The success of the EU AI ecosystem, especially for the companies they represent, depends on the correct application of the AI Act’s rules.
The feedback gathered during this consultation will be crucial in shaping the future Code of Practice for GPAI providers.
AI Act Implementation Timeline
The EU’s AI Act officially took effect on August 1st. This law aims to regulate the development and use of AI models in Europe based on the risks they pose to society. The first set of rules, known as the “Prohibitions of Certain AI Systems,” is expected to be enforced by February 2025.
These rules will ban AI systems that exploit personal vulnerabilities, collect untargeted facial data from CCTV or the internet, and create facial recognition databases without permission.
Following that, new rules specifically for GPAI models are scheduled to take effect in August 2025. Unlike AI systems designed for specific tasks, GPAI models are capable of handling a wide range of activities. These new rules will be crucial in ensuring that GPAI systems are developed and used responsibly within the EU.
The tech companies believe that extending the deadline is essential for making sure the final regulations are thorough and well-considered. The outcome of this consultation will play a significant role in shaping the future of AI regulation in Europe.
