Tech giant Google set to adopt European Union's AI ethical guidelines
In the lead-up to the implementation of the EU's AI Act next month, key tech companies such as Google, Meta, and others have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the AI Act and the EU's AI Code of Practice on Europe's AI development and competitiveness.
The primary apprehensions revolve around the risk of slowing down the approvals and deployment of AI models, departures from EU copyright law, and requirements that could expose trade secrets. These concerns could potentially hinder the pace at which AI technologies reach the market in Europe, impacting innovation, market competitiveness, investment, and research and development.
Google, despite committing to sign the EU's AI Code of Practice, has voiced concerns about the regulations' potential to impede innovation and economic goals in Europe. The company sees signing as an opportunity to work collaboratively with regulators to ensure the Code remains proportionate and responsive to AI’s rapid evolution.
In contrast, Meta has refused to sign the Code, expressing concerns about legal uncertainties and measures beyond the scope of the AI Act. The social media giant has stated that Europe is "heading down the wrong path on AI," reflecting concerns about excessive regulation stifling innovation.
The EU's AI Code of Practice outlines guidelines for AI model companies regarding compliance with the EU's AI Act. The Code also includes provisions for legal responsibilities and copyright protections for creators. The EU claims that AI model providers who sign the code will receive increased legal certainty and reduced administrative obligations.
Despite the concerns, Google, along with AI firms OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral, has signed the EU's AI code of practice. Microsoft is also expected to sign the Code. Google's president of global affairs and chief legal officer, Kent Walker, has expressed hope that the code will promote European citizens' and businesses' access to secure, first-rate AI tools.
The potential consequences of a too-restrictive or cumbersome AI framework could include a slower rollout and development of AI technologies, less competitive European AI firms globally, hesitation from companies to invest heavily in EU AI, and limitations on research and development due to trade secret exposure worries.
As the EU aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure safe and trustworthy AI, the industry's concerns highlight a tension between regulation and fostering a competitive, innovative AI ecosystem in Europe.
[1] Google's announcement to sign the EU's AI code of practice [2] Meta's statement on not signing the EU's AI code of practice [3] Article discussing the concerns of tech companies [4] Article discussing the potential impact of the EU's AI regulations
- Google, a major tech company, has voiced its intention to sign the EU's AI Code of Practice, with the company's president of global affairs and chief legal officer, Kent Walker, expressing hope that the code will promote European citizens' and businesses' access to secure, first-rate AI tools, thus addressing issues related to finance, technology, and business.
- Meta, another tech giant, has decided against signing the EU's AI Code of Practice, stating that Europe is "heading down the wrong path on AI," and expressing concerns about legal uncertainties and measures beyond the scope of the AI Act, reflecting issues in policy-and-legislation and politics.
- The Financial Times recently published an article discussing the concerns of tech companies regarding Europe's AI regulations, focusing on potential impacts such as slowing down AI model approvals and deployments, departures from EU copyright law, and requirements that could expose trade secrets, raising issues in general-news and business.
