Meta is refusing to sign the European Union’s voluntary AI Code of Practice, with its top policy chief calling the rules an overreach that will "stunt" innovation. The move puts the company at odds with rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic, who have agreed to comply.
'On the wrong path': In a LinkedIn post, Meta’s Joel Kaplan claimed the code introduces "legal uncertainties" and goes far beyond the scope of the original AI Act. He pointed to concerns from over 40 other European firms, including Airbus and Mercedes-Benz, who fear the regulations will throttle AI development in the region.
A house divided: The decision creates a clear divide in the industry. OpenAI, Anthropic, and reportedly Microsoft are all on board, framing the rules as a path toward safe and competitive AI development. Anthropic stated the code will help Europe "harness the most significant technology of our time."
The bottom line: Meta’s defiance, especially over rules on scraping copyrighted data, adds another chapter to its contentious relationship with EU regulators. The standoff highlights a growing transatlantic rift over how to govern the future of artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, in the wider AI world: As Europe tightens its grip, the Trump administration is moving to deregulate AI in the US. The regulatory debate comes as AI firms like Anthropic are already facing high-stakes copyright lawsuits from music publishers, and there are reports that Meta itself is considering a major pivot in its overall AI strategy.