Tech Giants Push Back at a Crucial Time for the EU AI Act
The EU AI Act has been lauded as the most comprehensive set of regulations on artificial intelligence on the planet. However, it is primarily a set of general principles without detailed guidelines for implementation.
The real work lies in the Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models, which outlines the compliance requirements for AI companies. Many outside Europe have stopped paying attention to the EU AI Act, mistakenly considering it a done deal. The ongoing developments indicate that the real struggle is occurring at this moment.
The Code of Practice will undergo three drafts before its finalization at the end of April, with the voluntary requirements set to take effect in August. However, the release of the third draft, originally scheduled for February 17, has been delayed, with indications that it will not be available for another month. This delay has been attributed to pressure from the tech industry.
Tech Companies Challenge Regulations
Big tech firms are actively challenging EU regulations, believing they will have the backing of the Trump administration. For instance, Meta has dispatched lobbyists to the EU to dilute the AI Act. Reports indicate that Meta has declined to sign the Code of Practice, which is a voluntary compliance agreement. Likewise, Google’s Kent Walker has expressed that the code represents a “step in the wrong direction” at a time when Europe aims to enhance its competitiveness.
Some contentious issues include how copyrighted material is utilized for training AI models and the requirement for an independent third party to assess their models for risks. Tech companies argue that the code extends beyond the requirements of the EU AI Act, although many already practice these standards in collaboration with the U.K. AI Safety Institute and others, and they publicly release technical reports.
Concerns have arisen that the EU might weaken safety provisions due to opposition from tech companies. Moreover, the new European Commission administration, which took office in December, appears to favor reducing regulatory burdens, simplifying rules, and fostering innovation.
After the AI Pause Letter
The Future of Life Institute is well-known in AI circles for circulating an open letter in March 2023, advocating for a six-month moratorium on advanced AI models until safety protocols were established. The letter garnered signatures from prominent figures, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak.
Despite this initiative, the pace of AI development has not slowed. The rapid advancements in AI technologies continue unabated, and many companies have not intensified their safety efforts, which the pause letter intended to encourage. In May 2024, OpenAI dissolved its AI safety team shortly after the resignations of its two safety leaders, reflecting a lack of prioritization for AI safety.
Global Regulatory Momentum
On a positive note, while tech companies have persisted in their development efforts, the momentum for regulatory action has increased worldwide. Notable developments include:
- The EU AI Act became the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, adopted in March 2024.
- South Korea introduced the Basic AI Act in December, mirroring the EU’s framework.
- China has been implementing AI governance policies, and Brazil is working on its own AI Act.
- The U.S. remains fragmented, with individual states introducing their own AI laws.
Despite these advancements, disappointment was expressed regarding this year’s AI Action Summit in Paris, which shifted focus from safety discussions to promoting AI innovation. Observers noted the lack of emphasis on safety, contrasting with previous summits held in the U.K. and South Korea.
