European Parliament Votes to Delay EU AI Act High-Risk Deadlines to December 2027, Affecting Biometric Systems

The European Parliament voted 569 to 45 last week to extend compliance deadlines for high-risk AI systems under the EU AI Act from August 2, 2026 to December 2, 2027. The 16-month delay affects biometric remote identification systems and other high-risk applications in law enforcement, border management, employment, and critical infrastructure.

The extension follows the European Commission’s failure to publish required technical guidance by its February 2026 deadline. The delay came just days after DEKRA became the first accredited certification body for AI biometric systems under the EU AI Act.

The joint IMCO/LIBE committee voted 101 in favor, 9 against, and 8 abstentions on March 18, 2026, before the plenary vote. Co-rapporteurs Arba Kokalari of Sweden and Michael McNamara of Ireland led the proposal. Trilogue negotiations with the Council began March 26, targeting a political agreement by April 28.

Biometric remote identification systems are classified as high-risk under Annex III of the EU AI Act. Affected categories include biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement, justice, and border management. Systems under EU sectoral safety legislation listed in Annex I will face a deadline of August 2, 2028, while AI-generated content watermarking requirements remain scheduled for November 2, 2026.

European Digital Rights warned of biometric abuses in public spaces during the debate. The Parliament also included a provision banning nudifier AI apps that create non-consensual intimate images.

The EU AI Act has been delayed multiple times since originally planned for May 2023.

Sources: European Parliament, PPC Land, Trending Topics EU

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By the ID Tech Editorial Team