Headlines said the EU AI Act was "delayed". That is only partly true. The delay is real for high-risk systems, and a lot of the Act still applies to a business that simply uses AI tools.
What changed
The Digital Omnibus on AI is Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, dated 8 July 2026 and published in the Official Journal on 24 July 2026. It amends the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). Among other things it moves the dates for high-risk obligations, adds two new Article 5 prohibitions, and rewrites Article 4 on AI literacy.
The dates, after the Omnibus
2 Feb 2025
Chapters I and II apply: the scope rules, AI literacy (Article 4) and the prohibited practices (Article 5).
2 Aug 2026
The general date of application of the Act, which includes the Article 50 transparency rules.
2 Dec 2026
The new Article 5 bans on non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material apply. Providers whose generative AI systems were already on the market before 2 Aug 2026 also get until this date for machine-readable marking under Article 50(2).
2 Dec 2027
High-risk obligations for AI systems under Annex III (for example hiring and credit uses).
2 Aug 2028
High-risk obligations for AI in products covered by Annex I product legislation.
What this means if you just use AI tools
- AI literacy still applies. See the free kit and lessons.
- Transparency applies from 2 August 2026 where you use something like a customer-facing chatbot or publish AI-generated content.
- High-risk duties come later, and only if you use AI for the kinds of decision Annex III lists, such as hiring.
- Knowing what you use is the first step either way. Start an AI inventory.
Not sure whether the Act applies to you at all? Read the plain-language test.
Frequently asked questions
Was the whole AI Act postponed?
No. The Omnibus moved the dates for high-risk obligations and added a transition for some Article 50(2) marking duties. The general date of application, 2 August 2026, stays.
Does the delay mean we can ignore AI literacy?
No. Article 4 has applied since 2 February 2025. The Omnibus reworded it: providers and deployers take measures to support AI literacy, and no specific level has to be guaranteed for any individual.
Where is the official text?
Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 was published in the Official Journal on 24 July 2026 and enters into force on the third day after publication. It is on EUR-Lex.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information, checked against the published text at the time of writing. Check your own situation with counsel.
See what applies to you
Our free check asks a few questions and shows which kinds of duty may apply. No account needed. Free EU AI Act check →