EU official discloses that American businesses persist in interacting with AI Code, according to their statements, despite Trump's stance.
Things are rolling, alright, but perhaps not as swiftly as some would like when it comes to the EU's Code of Practice for General Purpose AI (GPAI). Cynthia Kroet ofourt website spoke to an official from the European Commission's AI Office, who revealed that the drafting process is still in motion, and the final version, originally slated for May 2023, has yet to be published.
The Long and Winding Road
The journey started last September when the Commission appointed thirteen experts to help draft the voluntary Code. But things took a turn, and the deadline was pushed back because the Commission "received a number of requests to leave the consultations open longer than originally planned."
The process has not been a walk in the park, with Big Tech companies, publishers, and even the US Mission to the EU voicing their concerns. The US government's Mission to the EU sent a letter in April, pushing back against the Code, citing potential violations of the EU's Copyright laws.
Top Brass' Take
Meta's global policy chief, Joel Kaplan, spoke up back in February, stating that they would not sign the code due to issues with the latest version. However, the draft has since been updated, and it seems that the attitude of US companies has not changed, according to the EU official.
What's Next
The goal is still to release the rules before August 2023, when the AI Act comes into force. The AI Act itself entered into force in August 2022, with provisions gradually applying before it's fully applicable in 2027. The Commission will assess companies' intentions to sign the code and carry out an adequacy assessment with member states.
Big Tech's Influence and Criticisms
A recent report by Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) and LobbyControl suggests that Big Tech companies have been putting pressure on the Commission to water down the Code of Practice, enjoy structural advantages in the drafting process.
In response, the Commission stated that all participants had equal opportunities to engage in the process. The EU official could not predict whether companies would sign, but emphasized its importance. An alternative option, commit to specific parts of the Code, has not been discussed yet.
Looking Ahead: The Final Act
As things stand, the final version of the Code of Practice for GPAI is set to be published soon, following the feedback from the stakeholders. When it does, it will provide the much-needed guidance for providers of AI models to comply with the EU's AI Act.
Keep an Eye Out
The process of drafting and finalizing the Code of Practice has been marked by delays, controversies, and criticisms. But keep a keen eye out, as the official cautioned that the final version is expected to be out before August 2023.
Related Reads
- Italy and Hungary fail to appoint fundamental rights bodies under AI Act
- Big Tech watered down AI Code of Practice: report
- Industry flags 'serious concerns' with latest draft of EU AI code of practice
Sources:1. EU Code of Practice on AI (Upcoming)2. EU's General Approach on the AI Act3. Meta's Joel Kaplan: AI should adhere to human rights4. US Mission to the EU pushes back against the EU's Code of Practice on AI5. CEO and LobbyControl report on Big Tech's influence in the EU AI Code of Practice
- The European Commission's AI Office official confirmed that the final version of the voluntary Code of Practice for General Purpose AI (GPAI), which was initially planned for May 2023, has yet to be published, due to requests to extend the consultation period.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) giants, publishers, and the US Mission to the EU have voiced their concerns about the draft GPAI Code, with Meta's global policy chief, Joel Kaplan, previously stating that they would not sign the code due to issues with the latest version.
- When the final version of the GPAI Code is published, it will offer guidance for AI model providers to comply with the EU's AI Act, ensuring their adherence to ethical principles in the use of artificial intelligence technology.
