European Commission spokesperson sends message to Google, Facebook and other tech giants on AI rules: ‘Let me be as clear as possible…'
The
European Union
(EU) has dismissed the calls by tech giants like Google, Facebook-parent Meta and others to delay the region's landmark artificial intelligence (AI) act, saying that the European Commission will proceed with the implementation as previously scheduled. This means that the authority firmly rejects recent pleas from major tech companies and some nations to postpone the implementation of the AI Act, news agency Reuters reported.
'No Pause,' says European Commission spokesperson
Companies including Google's parent Alphabet, Meta, and European firms like Mistral and ASML have recently urged the Commission to delay the AI Act by several years, citing concerns over compliance. However, Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier was unequivocal during a press conference.
'I've seen, indeed, a lot of reporting, a lot of letters and a lot of things being said on the AI Act. Let me be as clear as possible, there is no stop the clock. There is no grace period. There is no pause,' Regnier stated.
He emphasised that the legal deadlines are fixed within the legislation.
'The provisions kicked in February, general purpose AI model obligations will begin in August, and next year, we have the obligations for high risk models that will kick in in August 2026,' he clarified.
EU hints at simplification ahead, but says rules remain
While some companies have expressed worries about the costs and stringent requirements of the AI rules, which aim to set crucial guardrails for a technology currently dominated by the US and China, the Commission remains steadfast.
The Commission does plan to propose steps to simplify its broader digital rules later this year, potentially reducing reporting obligations for smaller companies, but this will not affect the AI Act's timeline.
The AI Act is designed to regulate a technology that is becoming central to numerous economic sectors, ensuring its responsible development and deployment across the EU.
Google Pixel 9 Pro After 1 Year: Still a Flagship Worth Buying in 2025? | Long-Term Review
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
24 minutes ago
- India Today
Can AI solve the yield gap in Indian agriculture?
Despite advancements in agriculture, India continues to grapple with a significant yield gap, with production levels for key crops such as rice and wheat lagging behind their potential. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising solution to this issue, offering data-driven insights that could transform farming technology offers solutions across various stages of farming. In the pre-sowing phase, AI can assess soil health and recommend crops suited to specific climatic conditions, increasing the likelihood of successful harvests. During cultivation, AI-driven sensors and drones monitor plant health, enabling precision disease management and optimal use of resources like fertilisers and water. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing waste and improving input spoke with M.K Dhanuka, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Limited to get more insights. Post-harvest, AI aids in forecasting market demand and optimising logistics, thereby reducing storage wastage and enhancing farmer earnings. Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, for example, have shown that AI-powered apps can increase crop yields by up to 30%, demonstrating the technology's potential impact. Such advancements highlight the transformative power of AI in addressing post-harvest inefficiencies and improving the overall agricultural supply Indian government is actively promoting AI in agriculture through the Digital Agriculture Mission (2021–2025). This initiative highlights the role of AI as a key enabler of data-driven farming, encouraging public-private partnerships to integrate AI into existing agricultural systems. However, widespread adoption faces significant hurdles.A major challenge is the availability and quality of data. AI models require robust datasets, yet India's farm-level data often lacks the necessary depth or is outdated. Furthermore, inadequate digital infrastructure, such as poor internet connectivity and low smartphone penetration, hampers scalability. These infrastructural challenges must be addressed to ensure that AI technologies can be effectively deployed across rural is another barrier, with many smallholder farmers unable to afford AI tools unless subsidised. Additionally, a lack of trust persists, as farmers are cautious about adopting AI advice over traditional practices, especially when there is no communication in local languages or demonstrable effectiveness. Building trust through transparent communication and demonstrable results is essential for fostering acceptance among harness AI's full potential, experts suggest investing in open-source agri-data platforms and enhancing rural digital infrastructure. Providing AI tools through cooperatives or farmer producer organisations (FPOs) could improve access for small farmers. Training FPOs to facilitate technology adoption and localising AI platforms could also drive greater uptake. These strategies could bridge the gap between technology and its practical application in the AI holds the promise of enabling Indian farmers by providing timely information and optimising resource use. While the yield gap is a formidable challenge, the right combination of technology, policy, and collaboration could pave the way for a more productive agricultural future in India. By fostering innovation and addressing existing barriers, AI can play a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture from subsistence to surplus.- Ends
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
2025 Bajaj Dominar 250, Dominar 400 launched: Prices, what's different
Bajaj Auto has launched the 2025 iterations of its popular sports tourers , the Dominar 400 and Dominar 250, with new upgrades. As for the pricing, the duo will cost Rs 2.38 lakh for the Dominar 400 and while the Dominar 250 will set you back by Rs 1.92 lakh. Both prices, ex-showroom. Here's a look at what's changed. 2025 Bajaj Dominar 250, Dominar 400: What's new One of the major highlights for this upgrade includes the introduction of ride-by-wire technology on the Dominar 400. This enables four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road. The Dominar 250, meanwhile, makes use of a mechanical throttle setup but offers four selectable ABS modes . Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto Both motorcycles now feature a modern bonded glass LCD speedometer, borrowed from the Pulsar NS 400Z, which itself is expected to get some upgrades soon. Besides that, handlebar positioning has been reworked for a relaxed riding triangle. Alongside that, the models feature luggage carriers and a GPS device mount fitted from the factory. Apart from these changes, the powertrain and other hardware remains unchanged. The Dominar 400 continues to draw power from a 373.3 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that puts out 39 hp and 35 Nm. It's paired with a 6-speed gearbox equipped with a slipper clutch. The Dominar 250, too, carries over its 248.8 cc powerplant that delivers 26.6 hp and 23.5Nm, mated to the same 6-speed unit. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Borosil Renewables to wind up German unit, focus on Indian solar glass
Borosil Renewables has filed an application to wind up operations of its German subsidiary to sharpen focus on the Indian solar glass market with immense potential. In a regulatory filing, Borosil Renewables Ltd said its material step-down subsidiary in Germany, GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH, has filed an application for the commencement of insolvency proceedings before the Insolvency Court at Cottbus, Germany, in accordance with the German Insolvency Code (InsO). This decision was reached after a comprehensive assessment of market conditions, financial viability, and long-term strategic priorities. "The challenges for GMB began with slide in demand for German made solar panels, when faced with the precipitous drop in prices by Chinese manufacturers of solar panels, who have engaged in large scale dumping in the European market, using predatory pricing. "Despite the alarms sounded by the German solar module manufacturers seeking protection against such dumping, policy responses to date have been insufficient," the filing said. Lack of meaningful protective measures by the authorities concerned has led to the shutdown of major solar module manufacturers in Germany, with some of them filing for the commencement of insolvency proceedings. Eventually, this resulted in the disappearance of the market demand for solar glass manufactured by GMB, causing substantial losses to GMB, which has affected the consolidated financials of the company, it said. The company/GMB has approached the authorities concerned to get some quick measures in place. GMB (capacity of 350 tonnes per day) was once a vital part of Borosil's global footprint, serving the European solar glass market. However, since the second half of 2023, the landscape changed dramatically. A significant increase in low-cost solar panel imports from China created unprecedented pricing pressure, leading to a rapid decline in demand for German-made modules and, consequently, for locally produced solar glass. Lack of meaningful protective measures by the authorities has led to the shutdown of major solar module manufacturers in Germany, with some of them filing for the commencement of insolvency proceedings. As of March 31, 2025, Borosil's total exposure to GMB and its associated German entities stood at 35.30 million euros, or approximately ₹340 crore. This includes both capital investments and loans extended over time to sustain German operations. From the date of the insolvency filing (July 4, 2025), Borosil will no longer account for GMB's monthly losses. Analysts said the insolvency filing will lead to sharper focus on Indian operations that are witnessing significant tailwinds. The move allows Borosil Renewables to halt capital bleed in a structurally declining market and reallocate resources toward its growth nucleus: India. India presents a compelling growth story driven by sizeable addition to solar power capacity every year, strong demand for solar infrastructure, supportive government policy (including PLI schemes and ALMM for modules and cells), and a favourable cost base. Manufacturing capacity for solar modules has already reached 90-plus gigawatts and is expected to rise to 150 gigawatts by March 2027. Thus, there is a huge scope for capacity addition and import substitution. With this pivot, Borosil aims to double down on its leadership in solar glass innovation, manufacturing scale, and ESG-driven clean energy technologies, they said. In May this year, Borosil Renewables announced its plan to raise production capacity for solar glass by 600 tonnes per day, by setting up two furnaces of 300 TPD each at an estimated cost of ₹950 crore. This translates into significant capacity addition of 60 per cent, considering Borosil's existing manufacturing capacity of 1,000 TPD. The imposition of anti-dumping duty for a period of five years, effective from December 4, 2024, on the import of solar glass from China and Vietnam is leading to a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. This policy measure is anticipated to foster rapid and significant growth in domestic solar glass manufacturing. The imposition of anti-dumping duty has also led to a significant improvement in domestic prices for solar cells. For example, average ex-factory selling prices for solar glass during Q4 FY25 were about ₹127.6 per millimetre per square metre as compared to ₹99.6 per millimetre per square metre in the same period in FY24, translating into an increase of 28 per cent. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
