Meta Refuses to Sign EU’s AI Code, Calls It Overreach That Stunts Growth

BRUSSELS — Meta Platforms has declined to sign the European Union’s voluntary code of practice for artificial intelligence, stating the agreement introduces legal uncertainty and would hinder innovation.

The company’s Global Affairs Chief Joel Kaplan announced the decision Friday, writing on LinkedIn, “Europe is heading down the wrong path on AI. This code introduces a number of legal uncertainties for model developers, as well as measures which go far beyond the scope of the AI Act.”

The EU’s AI code, published last week by the European Commission, is designed to help companies align with the AI Act, a regulation adopted in 2024 aimed at improving transparency and safety of AI systems. The voluntary guidelines for general-purpose AI models are set to go into effect next month.

Meta’s move makes it one of the first major tech firms to publicly reject the framework. The company argues that the code’s requirements overstep legal boundaries and could restrict innovation across Europe.

Kaplan, who succeeded Nick Clegg as Meta’s global affairs head earlier this year, also voiced support for other companies and industry voices opposing the EU’s approach. “We share concerns raised by these businesses that this over-reach will throttle the development and deployment of frontier AI models in Europe,” he wrote.

Companies such as ASML Holding and Airbus have similarly pushed back, urging the EU to delay the implementation of the code by two years. In contrast, OpenAI has agreed to sign the guidelines.

The European Commission has left the decision to sign the code up to individual firms. Though not legally binding, the code is considered a key step in preparing companies for stricter enforcement under the AI Act.

Meta’s rejection signals a growing divide between U.S. tech firms and European regulators over how to govern artificial intelligence, as global governments race to put standards in place for one of the most disruptive technologies of the decade.