OpenAI, Google, Microsoft sign EU's AI Pact: What is it
The European Commission has disclosed the initial 100+ signatories of the AI Pact. This initiative encourages companies to make "voluntary pledges" about their use and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). The treaty is designed to enhance engagement and secure commitments from companies. It aims to ensure they take proactive measures to meet the requirements of the law before its deadlines are enforced.
Tech giants' response to the initiative
The AI Pact was announced in May 2023 by then-internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, with Google agreeing to assist regulators on the initiative. Now, over a year later, many more companies have joined the pact including Amazon, Microsoft, Palantir, OpenAI, and Samsung. However, notable names such as Apple and Meta have not yet signed up. A Meta spokesperson stated that while they welcome harmonized EU rules and are focusing on compliance work under the AI Act at this time.
AI pact's role in the transition period
The AI Pact is seen as a tool to bridge the gap during the transition period before all compliance deadlines of the EU's legally binding risk-based AI rulebook (the AI Act) are fully operational. The protocol also promotes information sharing among signatories, enabling them to collectively address incoming requirements of the bloc's AI rulebook and develop best practices proactively.
3 core commitments outlines
The AI Pact outlines three "core actions" that signatories are expected to commit to. These include adopting an AI governance strategy, identifying and mapping high-risk AI systems under the AI Act, and promoting AI awareness among staff for ethical and responsible development. The European Commission has provided a comprehensive list of potential pledges that companies can choose from based on their specific needs and capabilities.
Non-compliance penalties and future prospects
Non-compliance with the EU's legally binding AI rulebook can result in hefty penalties, reaching up to 7% of global annual revenue for violating banned uses of AI. Other companies that have signed the pact include SAP, Salesforce, Snap, Airbus, Porsche and Lenovo. However, there's no sign of Anthropic or NVIDIA — notable absences given their relevance to AI development.
