Google will sign the European Union’s general purpose AI code of practice. The voluntary framework aims to guide AI developers on complying with the EU’s upcoming AI Act.
The commitment comes just days before new rules targeting “general-purpose AI models with systemic risk” take effect on August 2. These rules will impact giants like Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Companies have two years to fully comply.
Meta refuses to sign. Earlier this month, Meta called the EU’s AI legislation “overreach” and said Europe was “heading down the wrong path on AI.” 
Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, acknowledged the final code is improved from the EU’s initial proposal, but he still flagged concerns.
Kent Walker stated:
“We remain concerned that the AI Act and Code risk slowing Europe’s development and deployment of AI. In particular, departures from EU copyright law, steps that slow approvals, or requirements that expose trade secrets could chill European model development and deployment, harming Europe’s competitiveness,”
By signing, AI companies agree to rules including updated documentation on AI tools, no training on pirated content, and compliance with content owners’ requests not to include their works in datasets.
The AI Act bans “unacceptable risk” cases like cognitive behavioral manipulation and social scoring. It classifies “high-risk” uses covering biometrics, facial recognition, education, and employment. The Act also demands registration of AI systems and strict risk and quality management.
This moves AI regulation in Europe into a new phase right as big players prepare to align or push back.
