Europe's answer to AI regulation complexity is to just delay most of it

EU institutions agreed on a Digital Omnibus to simplify the AI Act and push most high-risk compliance deadlines to 2027 or 2028.

The deal explicitly bans non-consensual sexually explicit AI content and adds relief for smaller firms, including easier compliance and support measures.

Key labeling requirements for some AI content still aim to start in August 2026, pending formal approval of the package.

The changes ease near-term pressure on AI companies in Europe while preserving a core set of transparency rules.