Breaking News: Google Joins Forces with the EU’s AI Code of Practice
Google has announced its intention to sign the European Union’s (EU) general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) code of practice, a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency, safety, and accountability in the rapidly growing AI industry.
The voluntary framework, drawn up by 13 independent experts, is designed to assist AI developers in establishing processes and systems that comply with the bloc’s upcoming AI Act. By signing the code, Google joins a growing list of tech giants committed to upholding the EU’s AI standards.
A Glimpse into the EU’s AI Code of Practice
The code outlines a series of guidelines that AI firms must follow to ensure they are operating in accordance with the EU’s AI Act. Some of the key requirements include:
- Providing updated documentation about AI tools and services
- Avoiding the use of pirated content for training AI models
- Complying with requests from content owners to not use their works in datasets
- Offering secure and reliable AI services that do not pose a risk to users
Kent Walker, Google’s Global Affairs President and Chief Legal Officer, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in a blog post, stating that the code will promote European citizens’ and businesses’ access to secure, first-rate AI tools as they become available.
Concerns around the AI Act and Code of Practice
While Google has expressed its commitment to the EU’s AI Code of Practice, Walker did raise some concerns about the AI Act and code. He pointed out that certain aspects of the regulations risk slowing down Europe’s development and deployment of AI. Specifically, he mentioned departures from EU copyright law, steps that slow approvals, and requirements that expose trade secrets could hamper European model development and deployment.
Walker emphasized that these issues could ultimately hurt Europe’s competitiveness in the global tech landscape. In response, Google is advocating for a more balanced approach to AI regulations that prioritizes both safety and innovation.
A New Era of Transparency and Accountability in AI
Google’s decision to sign the EU’s AI Code of Practice marks a significant milestone in the journey towards greater transparency and accountability in AI development. By committing to these guidelines, Google joins a growing chorus of tech companies dedicated to ensuring that AI is developed and deployed responsibly.
As we move forward in this era of AI growth, it is essential that we prioritize both safety and innovation. By working together, we can create a future where AI benefits humanity, rather than hindering it.
