Tech Giants Lobby to Dilute EU's Landmark AI Act

9 Sources

Share

Major technology companies are pushing for changes to the European Union's AI Act, aiming to reduce regulations on foundation models. This effort has sparked debate about balancing innovation with potential risks of AI technology.

News article

Tech Industry's Push for Regulatory Changes

As the European Union (EU) prepares to implement its groundbreaking AI Act, major technology companies are intensifying their efforts to influence the legislation. The AI Act, set to be the world's first comprehensive law on artificial intelligence, has become a focal point for lobbying by tech giants who seek to dilute its stringent regulations

1

.

Focus on Foundation Models

At the heart of the debate are foundation models, which form the basis for various AI applications. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are advocating for less restrictive rules on these models, arguing that over-regulation could stifle innovation and competitiveness

2

. They propose a tiered approach to regulation, with stricter rules applied only to the riskiest AI applications.

Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability

Critics, including some EU officials and civil society groups, worry that loosening regulations on foundation models could undermine the Act's core principles of transparency and accountability. They argue that these models, being the building blocks of AI systems, should be subject to rigorous oversight to prevent potential misuse and ensure public safety

3

.

Economic Implications

The tech industry's lobbying efforts are not just about regulatory compliance; they also reflect significant economic interests. With the global AI market projected to reach $190 billion by 2025, companies are keen to secure their positions in this lucrative field

4

. The EU's regulations could set a global precedent, potentially influencing AI governance worldwide.

Political Landscape and Negotiations

The push for changes to the AI Act has created a complex political landscape within the EU. While some member states are receptive to the tech industry's arguments, others remain committed to stringent regulations. The European Parliament and the European Council are engaged in ongoing negotiations to finalize the Act's details

5

.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation

As discussions continue, the central challenge remains finding a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring adequate safeguards. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the future of AI development and deployment not only in Europe but potentially across the globe, as other jurisdictions look to the EU's approach as a possible model for their own AI regulations.

TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo