The European Commission has published a final version of its code of practice for general-purpose AI models.

The guidelines are designed to help companies meet the requirements of the EU’s AI Act, a comprehensive law focused on transparency, safety, and security in AI deployment. Companies may choose whether or not to sign the voluntary code.

Google Commits to Guidelines, Citing Citizen Access

Google announced Wednesday it will sign the EU AI code of practice. In a blog post, the company stated its support aims to ensure that advanced AI tools remain accessible to European citizens.

“Prompt and widespread deployment is important,” said Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs.

He noted that embracing AI could contribute €1.4 trillion ($1.62 trillion) to Europe’s economy annually by 2034.

Google Voices Caution Over Potential Drawbacks

Despite signing the code, Google expressed concerns about its impact on technological progress.

“We remain concerned that the AI Act and Code risk slowing Europe’s development and deployment of AI,” Walker stated.

He warned that certain elements, such as diverging from EU copyright law, delays in approval processes, or requirements to disclose trade secrets, could undermine Europe’s ability to compete globally in AI.

Meta Refuses to Sign, Citing Legal and Innovation Risks

Earlier this month, Meta confirmed it would not sign the EU AI code. The company believes the guidelines could hinder AI development in Europe.

“Europe is heading down the wrong path on AI,” wrote Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Global Affairs Chief, on LinkedIn.

He stated that the code brings “a number of legal uncertainties for model developers, as well as measures which go far beyond the scope of the AI Act.”

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This article was created with AI assistance.