Tech Giants Divided Over EU AI Code as Microsoft and OpenAI Sign, Meta Rejects

Microsoft signaled its intent to sign the EU's General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, with President Brad Smith emphasizing the company's support for regulatory engagement. "We need to read the documents," Smith noted, while praising the AI Office's industry outreach. OpenAI and Mistral have already endorsed the framework.

Meta Platforms rejected the voluntary code, calling it an overreach that creates legal uncertainty. Global Affairs Chief Joel Kaplan argued the requirements exceed the EU AI Act's scope, potentially stifling innovation. The code mandates transparency around training data and copyright compliance for signatories.

ASML Holding and Airbus separately urged the EU to pause implementation, highlighting divergent industry views on AI governance. The July 10 guidelines aim to provide legal clarity ahead of the 2024 AI Act enforcement.