Meta Platforms has declined to sign the European Union’s upcoming voluntary code of practice for general-purpose AI, claiming it exceeds the EU’s AI Act and may hinder innovation. Joel Kaplan, Meta’s global affairs chief, expressed concerns on LinkedIn about the potential legal uncertainties and overly extensive regulations introduced by the code.
The code, effective August 2, 2023, aims to guide companies in compliance with the EU’s risk-based AI Act, requiring documentation of AI systems and banning training on pirated content. While OpenAI has agreed to sign, companies like ASML and Airbus are requesting a two-year delay in its rollout. The European Commission has emphasized that compliance must begin imminently, with full obligations due by 2027.
Meta’s refusal underscores the growing tension between tech firms and regulators regarding the scope of AI governance in Europe, which may impact the region’s competitiveness in the global AI landscape.
