EU Digital Omnibus for AI Approved: Amendments to the AI Act
The Council of the EU has formally adopted the 'Digital Omnibus on AI', streamlining key components of the EU AI Act. The regulation introduces adjustments to deadlines and new prohibitions.
What happened?
On 29 June 2026, the Council of the European Union formally approved the 'Digital Omnibus on AI', following the European Parliament's approval on 16 June 2026. The regulation streamlines central parts of the EU's own AI Act and will enter into force three days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Key amendments include new timelines for high-risk system requirements and a ban on AI systems that generate non-consensual sexual content.
Key facts
”On 29 June 2026, the Council of the EU formally adopted the “Digital Omnibus on AI,” simplifying and streamlining key parts of the EU AI Act.”
”New prohibited practiceA ban on AI systems that generate non-consensual sexual or intimate content, or CSAM, including so-called “nudifier” apps. This takes effect 2 December 2026.”
”The window for providers to implement transparency solutions for AI-generated content (e.g. watermarking) has been cut from 6 to 3 months, with a new deadline of 2 December 2026.”
Why it matters
The adoption of the 'Digital Omnibus on AI' is significant as it adjusts the implementation pace of the AI Act and introduces new prohibitions. The delays for high-risk systems provide companies with more time to adapt, while the new ban on explicit deepfakes addresses urgent ethical and safety concerns. This consolidation is intended to make the AI regulatory framework more practical and efficient.
Who is affected?
This primarily affects developers and providers of AI systems, particularly those working with high-risk systems. Users of AI technology, especially within the EU, are also affected by the new prohibitions against generating non-consensual sexual content and tightened transparency requirements. Authorities tasked with establishing regulatory sandboxes are also impacted by the adjusted deadlines.
Impact on the EU
The regulation is part of the EU AI Act and applies directly in all member states. The adjusted timelines affect implementation in all EU countries, and the new ban on generating non-consensual sexual content becomes binding across the Union from 2 December 2026.
What else you should know
The delay for high-risk systems is split: standalone high-risk systems are postponed to 2 December 2027, while high-risk systems embedded in products are pushed back to 2 August 2028. This provides industry more time for compliance.
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