TECH NEWS – Mark Zuckerberg’s company (already facing growing criticism over unjustly suspended, banned, or deleted Instagram and Facebook accounts) argues that the European Union’s proposal could harm innovation.

Meta has refused to sign the European Union’s proposed artificial intelligence pact, claiming that the initiative imposes excessive requirements that would stifle both the company’s and the industry’s growth and innovation. This rejection raises the stakes in the ongoing debate between tech firms and regulators about how best to control and regulate artificial intelligence without derailing its real potential.

The EU introduced the voluntary AI pact as a transitional measure before the recently adopted and enacted AI Act, which will come fully into force in 2026. The pact aims to get tech companies to embrace the law’s principles early, promoting transparency, accountability, and safety in AI development. While most companies have agreed to sign on, Meta argues that the pact duplicates requirements already established in the AI Act and could force premature changes in its systems.

Zuckerberg’s company says that these extra demands could slow progress in a field that thrives on agility and rapid innovation. Meta maintains that it remains committed to cooperating with European regulators to ensure AI technologies are safe and compliant, but believes the pact is moving too fast and too far. European officials, on the other hand, say the pact is a crucial step toward ensuring AI systems don’t harm users or spread misinformation—especially as generative AI and recommendation algorithms become more influential in daily life.

Meta warns that excessive regulation at this stage could restrict the development and benefits of AI technologies, potentially giving an advantage to competitors in less regulated regions. The company’s position distinguishes it from some rivals that have already agreed to the pact to align with EU standards. Analysts and industry insiders say Meta’s stance reflects wider concerns in the tech sector about balancing the need for regulation with the imperative of fast-paced innovation in competitive markets.

As authorities worldwide work to define AI regulations, Meta’s position highlights the challenge of protecting the public while enabling tech companies to develop powerful new tools. Meta could help shape the final rules if it plays its cards right, but for now, this is only the beginning.

The EU’s debate over its AI pact could influence how similar agreements and laws evolve globally, affecting how much freedom companies will have to develop and experiment with AI in the years to come.

Source: WCCFTech, CNBC