Meta has publicly rejected the European Union’s new Code of Practice on General Purpose Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), escalating tensions between Big Tech and Brussels.
In a statement on Friday, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan announced the social media giant would not sign the voluntary Code. “Europe is heading down the wrong path on AI,” Kaplan said. “The Code introduces legal uncertainties and goes far beyond the AI Act’s scope.”
The Code, unveiled last week by the European Commission, is designed to help AI model developers like OpenAI and Google’s Gemini comply with the upcoming AI Act. It includes voluntary commitments around transparency, safety, copyright, and security.
Companies that adopt the Code can expect fewer inspections and more legal certainty. Those who refuse may face stricter scrutiny.
The AI Act’s provisions covering GPAI systems take effect on 2 August, although the full legislation won’t apply until 2026. The Act categorises AI systems by risk level, with GPAI falling under stricter rules.
OpenAI has stated it will sign the Code once ready. In contrast, Meta has repeatedly criticised the Commission’s approach, saying it risks stifling innovation.
“The current draft will throttle development of frontier models and hurt European companies building on them,” Kaplan warned.
The EU’s AI Board, made up of member states, is expected to approve the Code by 22 July. A list of signatories will be published on 1 August.
The Commission released new guidance on Friday to help companies comply with the GPAI rules.
