Heads Up: AI Rules Hitting the Stage Soon!
Big news for everyone working with general‑purpose AI: the Code of Practice is slated to be released before August 2. That’s the very day the rules will go into effect, so keep your calendars open and your code tidy.
Why the buzz matters
- All‑encompassing scope: From chatbots to autonomous systems, the new guidelines touch it all.
- Clear compliance checkpoints: Developers will know exactly what’s expected, making the audit process smoother.
- Legal deadline: By August 2, every AI system in deployment must be compliant.
So, whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just tinkering with a cool AI project, this is your cue to double‑check your practices—before the big drop‑in on August 2.
AI Act: Companies Seek a Breather, and the Commission’s Ready to Offer One
What’s the Deal with the Code of Practice?
Think of the Code of Practice for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) as a voluntary handbook that helps AI folks—think ChatGPT, Gemini, and the rest—stay on track with the EU’s AI Act. Instead of fighting the law, the Code offers a set of friendly guidelines to keep everyone on the same page.
Publication Gets a Hold‑Up, but Freedom’s Still on the Horizon
The final version of the Code was slated for May, but it’s been bumped back. The Commission has promised that the Code will drop just before the Act’s “official” start—maybe sometime around 10 July. A quick look at the internal memo says the AI Office is hoping to release it a few days before the rules go into force on 2 August.
Why the Commission is Hosting a Big Workshop
- Collect feedback from AI providers on the latest draft.
- Showcase the perks of signing the voluntary Code.
- Make sure everyone gets the same voice on how the Code fits with the upcoming Act.
Companies Are Asking for a Ticker‑Tape Style “Grace Period”
During a meeting on 27 June, Google reps asked the EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen if there could be more wiggle room for compliance. The teams want to install a short grace period because the Code will hit the scene only a few days before the AI Act takes effect.
The AI Act’s Roll‑Out: 2024 Now, 2027 Later
Remember, the AI Act didn’t all go live at once. While some rules went live yesterday, others will only kick in 2027. The Commission is now revving up to possibly formalise the Code via an implementing act, after the experts drafted the rules back in September 2024.
Four Key Take‑aways
- Code = Voluntary Relief – Companies get a hand‑hold before the Act’s strict guidelines.
- Timeline Shifts – The Code’s release has been delayed, still aligned with the Act’s launch.
- Companies Want Flexibility – The “grace period” talks are still in the works.
- The Future is in the Air – The Commission might formalise the Code as the AI Act matures and future rules come into play.
Courting the AI Act has never been this messy—but with a hint of collaboration, companies and regulators hope to steer clear of nasty surprises and hard hits. The commission’s still waiting for its opportunity to shape the final action, and everyone’s holding their collective breath for what’s next.