The US government opposes the new AI Code, calling it anti-innovation. Critics say Big Tech had too much access.
The European Commission is facing growing criticism after a joint investigation revealed that Big Tech companies had disproportionate influence over the drafting of the EU’s Code of Practice on General Purpose AI.
The report, published by Corporate Europe Observatory and LobbyControl, claims firms such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI were granted privileged access to shaping the voluntary code, which aims to help companies comply with the upcoming AI Act.
While 13 Commission-appointed experts led the process and over 1,000 participants were involved in feedback workshops, civil society groups and smaller stakeholders were largely side-lined.
Their input was often limited to reacting through emojis on an online platform instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, the report found.
The US government also waded into the debate, sending a letter to the Commission opposing the Code. The Trump administration argued the EU’s digital regulations would stifle innovation.
Critics meanwhile say the EU’s current approach opens the door to Big Tech lobbying, potentially weakening the Code’s effectiveness just as it nears finalisation.
Although the Code was due in early May, it is now expected by June or July, just before new rules on general-purpose AI tools come into force in August.
The Commission has yet to confirm the revised timeline.
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