EC and Google Sign Initial AI Rules Pact

Google CEO Sundar Pichai and European Commissioner for the internal market Thierry Breton struck an initial agreement on developing voluntary rules on AI. The deal is made ahead of finalizing EU regulation on the technology.

Breton highlighted the pair had agreed for their organizations to work together on developing a so-called AI Pact. They expect all major European and non-European AI actors to also be involved.

“We expect technology in Europe to respect all of our rules, on data protection, online safety, and AI,“ Breton added. “In Europe, it’s not pick and choose. I am pleased that Sundar Pichai recognizes this and that he is committed to complying with all EU rules.“

Hours after Breton was hailing a successful meeting with Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the initial draft of the AI Act would constitute over-regulating, though noted he expected it to be pulled back. Altman added the company might consider leaving Europe should it be unable to comply with the upcoming rules.