Meta has rejected teh EU’s voluntary AI code of conduct, signaling a divergence in approach to AI regulation as the tech giant intensifies its own AI growth. This decision comes as Meta invests heavily in AI,reportedly offering significant signing bonuses to attract top talent and pursuing a multi-billion dollar acquisition of AI startup Scale. The company has allocated $65 billion for AI infrastructure this year and is shifting its focus from research to deploying AI tools across its platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
While Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has advocated for “open and accessible” AI, critics have pointed to the restrictive licensing of its flagship large language model, Llama, which allowed use but not direct competition, leading to accusations of “open source washing.” As Meta begins to commercialize Llama and reduce its openness, its rejection of the EU’s code coudl be a strategic move to influence AI governance on its own terms.This transatlantic regulatory split has implications for UK tech startups. Increased compliance costs and legal uncertainties could discourage global AI firms from expanding into Europe, including the UK, which is expected to further diverge from EU regulations post-Brexit. With the UK government aiming to establish Britain as a leading AI business habitat,there is growing pressure to balance safety measures with fostering competitiveness.As Meta transitions from AI experimentation to monetization, its stance suggests a purposeful positioning in the evolving AI landscape, challenging regulatory bodies.
