Google Signs EU's AI Guidelines, Opposite of Meta's Decision

Google plans to sign the European Union's guidelines on artificial intelligence, despite Meta's previous refusal. Google hopes that signing the code will promote citizens' access to advanced AI tools. The guidelines lay out requirements for transparency, safety, and security under the EU AI Act. Google expressed concerns that the guidelines could slow technological advances around AI and harm Europe's competitiveness.

Google has announced its intention to sign the European Union's code of practice on artificial intelligence, despite Meta's refusal to do so. This move comes as the EU continues to establish guidelines aimed at promoting transparency, safety, and security in AI development, as outlined in the EU AI Act. The code of practice, drafted by 13 independent experts, aims to provide legal certainty for companies on how to meet the requirements of the AI Act.

Google's decision to sign the code is part of its broader strategy to enhance access to advanced AI tools for European citizens and businesses. In a blog post, Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google, expressed hope that the code would facilitate the deployment of secure and high-quality AI tools. However, Walker also voiced concerns that the AI Act and the code of practice could potentially hinder Europe's AI development and deployment. He cited specific concerns such as departures from EU copyright law, slow approval processes, and the exposure of trade secrets, which could potentially stifle innovation and harm Europe's competitiveness.

Microsoft, another major tech company, is expected to sign the code, as indicated by its president, Brad Smith [1]. Meta, on the other hand, declined to sign the code, citing legal uncertainties and concerns that the guidelines could constrain European AI innovation [2]. Meta's global affairs chief, Joel Kaplan, criticized the code in a LinkedIn post, stating that it introduces legal uncertainties and measures that go beyond the scope of the AI Act.

The EU's AI Act is designed to set a global benchmark for AI technology, which is currently dominated by the United States and China. The act aims to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that respects fundamental rights and values, such as privacy and non-discrimination. However, the implementation of the act has been met with mixed responses from the industry, with some companies expressing concerns about potential regulatory burdens and legal uncertainties.

Google's move to sign the code of practice highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between regulation and innovation in the AI sector. While the EU aims to promote responsible AI development, there are concerns that overly stringent regulations could hinder technological progress and innovation. Google's concerns about the potential impact of the AI Act and the code of practice on Europe's AI competitiveness underscore the complexity of this issue.

In contrast, SAP CEO Christian Klein has advocated for a software-first approach to AI development, arguing that Europe should focus on developing specialized AI use cases for European industries rather than investing heavily in AI infrastructure [3]. Klein's perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that emphasizes infrastructure as a foundational element of AI competitiveness. Instead, he suggests that demand should drive infrastructure development, rather than the other way around.

The debate over the EU's AI Act and the code of practice is part of a broader discussion about European technology strategy and AI competitiveness. As the EU continues to refine its regulatory framework, companies and industry experts will be closely watching the impact of these guidelines on AI development and deployment.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-sign-eus-ai-code-practice-despite-concerns-2025-07-30/
[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/30/big-tech-split-google-to-sign-eus-ai-guidelines-despite-meta-snub.html
[3] https://ppc.land/sap-ceo-challenges-europes-ai-data-center-strategy-amid-tech-sovereignty-debate/