Google has confirmed it will sign the European Union’s general-purpose AI code of practice, a voluntary framework designed to help AI developers align with the bloc’s AI Act. This decision comes after Meta recently refused to sign the code, labeling the EU’s approach as regulatory overreach and criticizing Europe’s direction on AI policy.
Google’s commitment arrives just days before new rules take effect on August 2 for providers of general-purpose AI models deemed to carry systemic risks. Major companies like Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, along with other large generative AI developers, will be subject to these regulations and have two years to achieve full compliance.
In a recent statement, Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, acknowledged improvements in the final version of the code compared to earlier proposals. However, he expressed concerns that the AI Act and its accompanying guidelines could hinder Europe’s AI progress. Walker highlighted potential issues, including deviations from copyright law, slow approval processes, and requirements that might expose trade secrets, which could stifle innovation and weaken Europe’s competitive edge.
By signing the EU’s code of practice, AI companies agree to follow several key guidelines. These include maintaining updated documentation on AI tools, avoiding training models on pirated content, and honoring requests from content owners to exclude their works from datasets.
The EU’s AI Act, a risk-based regulatory framework, prohibits certain high-risk applications, such as cognitive behavioral manipulation and social scoring. It also identifies specific high-risk uses, including biometric and facial recognition systems, as well as AI applications in education and employment. Under the act, developers must register AI systems and meet strict risk and quality management requirements.
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