European Parliament
Press release
26-03-2026
Plenary session IMCO LIBE
Artificial Intelligence Act: delayed application, ban on nudifier apps
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Clear date for activation of certain rules on high-risk AI systems
Flexibility for companies on certain rules and support for small mid-cap enterprises
AI Act obligations can be less stringent for products governed by sectoral laws
MEPs have agreed on proposals to simplify artificial intelligence rules and propose clear application dates for high-risk system requirements and a ban on AI “nudifier” systems.
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted its position on a simplification (“omnibus”) proposal amending the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), by 569 votes in favour, 45 against, and with 23 abstentions.
The proposal would delay the application of certain rules on high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems, to ensure that guidance and standards to help companies with implementation are ready.
In their amendments, MEPs introduce fixed dates for application to ensure predictability and legal certainty.
- For high-risk AI systems specifically listed in the regulation (including those involving biometrics, and those used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, essential services, law enforcement, justice and border management), MEPs propose 2 December 2027.
- For AI systems that are covered by EU sectoral legislation on safety and market surveillance, MEPs propose 2 August 2028.
MEPs are also in favour of giving providers until 2 November 2026 to comply with rules on watermarking AI-created audio, image, video or text content to indicate its origin.
Ban on nudifier apps
MEPs want to introduce a new ban on “nudifier” systems that use AI to create or manipulate images that are sexually explicit or intimate and resemble an identifiable real person without that person’s consent.
The ban would not apply to AI systems with effective safety measures preventing users from creating such images.
Measures to increase flexibility and support small mid-cap enterprises
MEPs are in favour of allowing service providers to process personal data to detect and correct biases in AI systems, but they introduced safeguards to ensure this is done only when strictly necessary.
To help EU companies scale up as they outgrow small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) status, where they enjoy certain support measures, MEPs backed the proposed extension of these measures to small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs).
To prevent overlapping application of sector-specific EU product safety rules and the AI Act, MEPs argue that obligations under the AI Act can be less stringent for products already regulated under sectoral laws (e.g. medical devices, radio equipment, toy safety, and others).
For statements from the co-rapporteurs after the committee vote, see here.
Next steps
Negotiations with the Council on the final form of the law can now begin.
Background
The legislation voted today is part of the seventh omnibus package on simplification proposed by the European Commission on 19 November 2025 (“the digital omnibus”). Parliament is also currently working on the other proposals in the package: the digital omnibus on amending laws on data use and data protection, and the proposal establishing European business wallets.
Further information
Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Procedure file
Adopted text (26.03.2026)
EP Think Tank briefing: Digital Omnibus on AI
Janne OJAMO
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EP_Justice
Yasmina YAKIMOVA
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EP_SingleMarket
Thea PIERIDOU
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