Biometric AI tech like facial recognition software was one of the major sticking points contributing to negotiation delays. | Image: The Verge When European lawmakers reached a provisional deal on landmark artificial intelligence rules last week, they had reason...

When European lawmakers reached a provisional deal on landmark artificial intelligence rules last week, they had reason to celebrate.
The EU AI Act reached a long-awaited climax on Friday following not only two years of broad discussion but a three-day �marathon� debate between the European Commission, the European Parliament, and EU member states to iron out disagreements. All-nighters were pulled. Bins overflowed with the remnants of coffee, energy drinks, and sugary snacks. It was the kind of environment you�d expect from students cramming for finals, not lawmakers working on legislation that could set a blueprint for global AI regulation. The chaos was largely thanks to two contentious issues that threatened to derail the entire...