AI Omnibus deal puts an end to “nudifiers”
Last night, MEPs and representatives of the member states, have reached a deal on the “AI Omnibus”, amending EU rules on Artificial Intelligence.
This omnibus does not lower the bar for user protection standards. In fact, it raises it. A ban on “nudifiers” - systems that use AI to create sexually explicit images of identifiable person without their consent - is enshrined into law.
Michael McNamara (Ireland), who negotiated the package as rapporteur in the civil liberties committee, says : “I am relieved that we reached an agreement early this morning that simplifies some key aspects of AI regulation in Europe while maintaining protections. We also reached agreement that AI that generates non-consensual sexual imagery or child sex abuse material would be banned.”
Michael McnamaraRenew Europe MEP, Ireland
This ban was not in the original Commission proposal and was an amendment tabled by Renew, which made into the final version of the law.
On the simplification side, this omnibus delays by 3 to 4 months provisions of the IA Act (like the obligation to label AI generated content) so businesses have more time to adapt.
The omnibus also removes some overlaps. The machinery sector, for instance, has specific AI rules enshrined in EU laws so it will be excluded from the scope of the AI act altogether.
Svenja Hahn (Germany), who negotiated the file for Renew Europe in the internal market committee, says: “The AI Omnibus deal is a step into the right direction for European businesses. By limiting unnecessary double regulation of industrial AI and taking Machinery products out of the AI Act, we are cutting red tape, strengthening legal certainty, and giving many companies the freedom to innovate and stay competitive. We wanted this solution for more sectors to boost AI made in Europe even more, but that was unfortunately not possible with the member states.”
Svenja HahnRenew Europe MEP, Germany, Freie Demokratische Partei