Meta Refuses to Sign EU’s AI Code of Practice, Calling It Overreach
Meta announced on Friday that it would not sign the European Union’s voluntary AI code of practice, criticizing the guidelines as excessive and legally uncertain. The code is designed to support the EU’s AI Act, a regulatory framework governing AI development and deployment in Europe.
While compliance with the code is optional, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, publicly rejected it, arguing that it imposes unnecessary burdens on AI developers. In a statement, Kaplan claimed the code introduces legal ambiguities and goes beyond the scope of the AI Act itself. He warned that Europe’s approach could stifle innovation and harm consumers by delaying or weakening AI products.
This is not the first time Meta has pushed back against EU AI regulations. The company has previously criticized the AI Act as unpredictable and overly restrictive, claiming it hampers technological progress. Earlier this year, Meta’s public policy director argued that strict regulations would result in inferior products for European users.
Meta’s stance aligns with broader opposition from the U.S., where the Trump administration has pressured the EU to abandon its AI regulations. In April, President Trump described the rules as a form of taxation, signaling resistance to what he views as excessive oversight.
The EU’s code of practice, published on July 10, outlines specific measures for AI developers, including bans on training models with pirated content and requirements to honor opt-out requests from artists and writers. Companies that adopt the code gain legal protections against potential violations of the AI Act. Those that refuse may face heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Non-compliance with the AI Act carries significant financial risks. Violators could be fined up to seven percent of their annual revenue, with penalties set at three percent for developers of advanced AI models.
Meta’s refusal to sign the code highlights the growing tension between tech giants and regulators over AI governance. As Europe pushes for stricter oversight, companies like Meta are pushing back, setting the stage for a broader debate on balancing innovation with accountability.
