Mark Zuckerberg's Meta And Google Slam Europe's Strict AI Rules: 'Sometimes It Goes Too Far'

Mark Zuckerberg‘s Meta Platforms META and Google GOOGL GOOG have voiced their concerns over Europe’s stringent artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, arguing that these rules are hampering the growth of the region’s tech industry.

What Happened: The public policy chiefs of these tech giants expressed their concerns at the Techarena tech conference in Stockholm, Sweden, reported CNBC. They contended that Europe’s rigorous approach to regulating technologies like AI and machine learning is suppressing innovation.

Meta’s director of public policy, Chris Yiu stated that the European regulation around technology is sometimes too fragmented or goes too far, resulting in product delays or watered-down versions. "I think there is now broad consensus that European regulation around technology has its issues, and sometimes it's too fragmented, like GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation], sometimes it goes too far, like the AI Act."

He mentioned Meta’s recently released Ray-Ban smart glasses as an example, highlighting their AI-powered ability to translate speech or describe images for individuals with visual impairments. The product’s launch in Europe was delayed due to regulatory issues.

Google DeepMind’s head of public policy, Dorothy Chou also echoed Yiu’s sentiments, She pointed out that the AI Act was created before some technologies even existed and emphasized that policy should foster a better investment environment rather than hinder technological advancement.

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Why It Matters: These criticisms come amidst growing concerns from Big Tech firms about the EU’s approach to tech regulation. Google and Meta have intensified their lobbying efforts to influence and ease certain aspects of the AI Act.

In January, Google contested a record EU antitrust fine over its Android operating system, arguing that users preferred its services. In February, Meta announced its plans not to comply with the EU AI Code of Practice.

Meta also hinted that it will turn to President Donald Trump if the EU doesn’t relent. However, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera refused to change her stance and told Reuters on Tuesday that the team will make key decisions regarding Meta and Apple AAPL, based on evidence, as scheduled in March.

Since March last year, both the tech giants have been under the EU’s scrutiny and could incur substantial fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue if found in violation of the Digital Markets Act.

Despite the EU drawing a lot of criticism from the Trump Administration, Ribera said, “We need to be flexible but we cannot transact on human rights nor are we going to transact on the unity of Europe, and we are not going to transact on democracy and values.”

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