The EU recently launched newGeneral AI Model Code of Conduct Meta, however, publicly refused to sign the Code of Practice for GPAI, emphasizing that the code involves "excessive intervention," which could bring legal uncertainty and hinder technological innovation and development.
Meta Global Affairs Director Joel Kaplan issued an earlierstatement, stating that "Europe is heading in the wrong direction in AI development," and further pointing out that the code contains many unreasonable provisions, even exceeding the scope of the AI law itself. Although the code of conduct is voluntary, Meta's explicit refusal to sign it has still attracted attention.
According to the guidelines released by the European Commission, AI developers must comply with a number of requirements, including not training models with infringing content, respecting creators' requests for removal of their work, and regularly providing technical documentation of AI functions. While signing the guidelines provides companies with a legal buffer and compliance flexibility, those who choose not to join may face increased regulatory risk.
Thomas Regnier, EU digital affairs spokesman, added that non-signatory companies must provide additional proof of compliance or face stricter regulatory scrutiny. Violations could lead to fines of up to 7% of a company's annual turnover, based on the EU AI Act.
This is not the first time Meta has expressed dissatisfaction with European AI regulation. As early as the draft stage of the AI bill, Meta criticized the bill for being too cumbersome, slowing down product development progress, and affecting the actual experience of European consumers. It may even lead to the delay of the launch of related technology application products or the deletion of related functions, thereby damaging the rights of users.
Meanwhile, US President Trump has publicly opposed the EU's AI legislation, calling it "essentially a tech tax," and in April of this year, pressured Europe to abandon relevant regulations. Meta, aligning with the White House's stance, appears to be betting on the US's relatively relaxed policies amidst the global regulatory divide.
Despite this, the EU remains committed to fostering a transparent and accountable AI industry environment and continues to call on companies to voluntarily adhere to regulations. Whether Meta will face increased compliance pressure as a result will likely become a key indicator of the debate over global AI governance.
