In a technological landscape and a world disrupted by AI, the regulation of artificial intelligence is becoming a major issue. A group of 45 companies, including AI Mistral and giants like Carrefour or Total, has recently spoken out to express its concerns regarding the AI Act, the European Artificial Intelligence Regulation.
In a letter addressed to the European Commission, they are requesting a two-year moratorium on certain obligations of this regulation, arguing that these could harm their competitiveness.
The AI Act’s Risks to Competitiveness
The letter’s signatories emphasize that the provisions proposed in the AI Act are perceived as vague and complex. This complexity could lead to legal uncertainty which, they believe, would hinder innovation within companies. Is the AI Act too restrictive?
At Yiaho, we have been sounding the alarm for several months, not about regulation, which remains essential, but about the importance of adaptation time and competitiveness, two crucial aspects in the global context of artificial intelligence.
Such a situation could deter the creation of cutting-edge companies in Europe, making it difficult to compete with other regions where regulation is less restrictive.
Reminder: What is the AI Act?
The AI Act aims to establish a regulatory framework for the development and use of artificial intelligence in Europe. Its objective is to ensure that AI technologies are used ethically and responsibly, while protecting the rights of European citizens.
While the AI Act is already applicable, companies believe that applying this framework could, on the contrary, create obstacles to innovation and growth.
A Two-Year Moratorium
Companies are requesting a specific postponement of two key deadlines in the regulation. Firstly, the implementation of requirements for ‘general-purpose’ AI models like Yiaho, OpenAI, or Gemini, scheduled for August 2025, includes technologies such as text and image generators.
Secondly, obligations concerning ‘high-risk’ AI systems coming into force in 2026 raise concerns regarding risk assessments, particularly in sensitive sectors such as health, education, and justice.
Read about this: Yiaho: The AI that perfectly meets the French usage framework for education
Towards a Balance Between Regulation and Innovation
The group of companies argues that, historically, Europe has managed to find a balance between regulation and innovation. However, this balance now seems threatened, according to their statements. By requesting a delay, these companies hope that adequate technical standards and guidelines will be put in place, allowing for AI deployment that is both secure and conducive to innovation.
Thus, the debate surrounding the AI Act highlights tensions between the need for effective regulation and the need for sufficient flexibility to foster innovation. The coming months will be crucial in determining how Europe will address this delicate issue.
Source: Le Monde
