EU Countries Agree to Adopt Stricter AI Rules — 16 Months Later Than Planned

TLDR:

• EU member states will adopt stricter AI rules in December 2027
• Originally scheduled for August 2026 — now delayed 16 months
• EU AI Act includes obligations for AI developers like ChatGPT and Gemini
• Malaysia and other countries watching closely as global AI regulation evolves

EU member states have agreed to adopt stricter AI rules under the EU AI Act, but not until December 2027 — 16 months later than originally planned. The regulations for AI systems posing specific risks are now set to come into force in December 2027.

Originally, the European AI Office was due to enforce some rules starting in August 2026. The delay gives AI providers more time to implement the regulations.

What’s in the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act sets out obligations for AI developers such as ChatGPT and Gemini, including requirements for how their models are trained. The act is also being amended to ban AI from generating sexual or intimate content without consent.

Before the amendments can come into force, member states and the European Parliament must still reach an agreement.

Global Implications

For Malaysia, the EU’s approach to AI regulation serves as a reference point. As a signatory to various international agreements and with significant trade relationships with Europe, Malaysia may need to consider aligning some regulations.

The delay also gives Malaysian policymakers more time to study the EU framework and develop appropriate local regulations.

Our Take

The 16-month delay reflects the complexity of regulating AI. Even in the EU, where regulatory ambition is high, implementation is proving challenging.

For Malaysia, this is a reminder that AI regulation is still evolving globally. Rather than rushing to implement rules, policymakers can learn from the EU’s experience and develop frameworks suited to local needs.

The key is balancing innovation with responsible governance — something every country is still figuring out.

Source

– The Star: EU countries agree to adopt stricter AI rules 16 months later