plowunited.net – Meta has formally declined to sign the European Commission’s new voluntary Code of Practice for general-purpose AI (GPAI) models. The company’s chief global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, stated that the EU is “heading down the wrong path on AI.” The Code, released earlier this week, outlines voluntary guidelines for AI developers, covering copyright, transparency, safety, and security standards.
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By signing the Code, companies would need to offer content creators certain rights and publicly share details about AI tools. The goal is to support firms in complying with the EU’s broader and binding AI Act, which is still under finalization. However, Meta believes the Code introduces too much legal ambiguity. Kaplan argued that the proposed guidelines exceed the scope of the AI Act and could hinder model development across the region.
Kaplan warned that the EU’s approach could suppress innovation and stall AI deployment, harming startups and developers across Europe. He said the overreach would “stunt European companies looking to build businesses on top of them.” The statement reinforces Meta’s longstanding criticism of EU regulatory frameworks and highlights growing tensions between technology firms and policymakers over the future direction of artificial intelligence governance.
Tech Industry and Meta Voice Concerns Over EU AI Rules
Meta is not the only major entity raising concerns. Earlier this month, leading European firms including Airbus and Siemens Energy sent a letter to EU President Ursula von der Leyen. They asked for a two-year delay in implementing the AI Act, citing similar fears over innovation loss and regulatory complexity.
The AI Code of Practice remains voluntary. But failing to comply with the eventual AI Act could result in steep penalties. These could reach up to €35 million or 7% of a company’s global annual revenue, depending on the severity of the violation.
Meta has already faced significant scrutiny and financial penalties in the EU for antitrust violations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has openly criticized what he views as excessive regulatory pressure. Speaking on a podcast earlier this year, he accused the EU of using fines “almost like a tariff.” Still, he expressed hope that U.S. policymakers would support American tech companies in ongoing transatlantic regulatory discussions.
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As the EU pushes forward with comprehensive AI regulations, major players like Meta are signaling resistance. The company’s refusal to sign the voluntary Code may shape how other tech firms approach the evolving AI policy landscape in Europe. The outcome could significantly influence global standards for AI development and corporate accountability.
