Press release - Artificial Intelligence Act: delayed application, ban on nudifier apps

AI Analysis

The European Parliament has published a press release confirming a delayed application timeline for the EU AI Act. The core prohibition on banned AI practices, including the specific ban on 'nudifier' apps and other manipulative subliminal techniques, will now apply from 2 February 2026, six months later than originally planned. The press release also clarifies that the full set of rules for high-risk AI systems will apply from August 2026.

This change directly affects all providers placing AI systems on the EU market, particularly those developing or deploying systems classified as high-risk. Sectors like biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, and employment will be significantly impacted. The explicit ban on nudifier apps also targets providers of emotion recognition and biometric categorization systems.

Compliance teams should immediately align their implementation roadmap with this new, legally confirmed timeline. Priority actions include finalizing conformity assessments for high-risk systems due by August 2026 and ensuring all prohibited practices, like nudifier apps, are eliminated from product portfolios by February 2026. Teams should also monitor for forthcoming harmonized standards to guide technical compliance.