The AI Act jumps over another hurdle.

The AI Act was just approved by the Council of Europe so the clock is really ticking now. Many businesses - and some politicians - fear it will stifle innovation but, for Scarlett Johansson at least, it probably can't come soon enough.

This landmark legislation will impose a risk-based approach - the higher the risk, the more stringent the safeguards. Even if other jurisdictions adopt a more relaxed approach (and they might to be more competitive), outsiders selling or licensing into the EU will still need to meet the Act's high standard. Tellingly, it has not been watered down at any stage of the approval process.