Apple and Meta Decline EU AI Pact Participation Amid OpenAI and Microsoft Involvement

The European Union’s AI Pact, a voluntary agreement designed to assist companies in adhering to upcoming legislation on artificial intelligence, has encountered challenges at its inception, as several major tech firms choose to remain on the sidelines. Notably, Apple and Meta have yet to sign this pact, which could restrict specific AI functionalities within their services for users located in the EU.

Launched earlier this year, the AI Pact aims to facilitate quicker compliance of companies with the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act before it becomes fully operational in the coming years. By voluntarily endorsing principles related to data governance, accountability, and workforce training, participating companies hope to secure a regulatory advantage.

Currently, over 100 companies have joined the pact, among them OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. However, the absence of Apple and Meta is notable. Reports indicate that Apple is engaging directly with EU authorities but has opted not to sign the agreement. Meta also appears hesitant, despite initial enthusiasm surrounding the pact.

Meta spokesperson Anna Kuprian shared the following statement with Politico:

“We welcome harmonised EU rules and are focusing on our compliance work under the AI Act at this time, but we don’t rule out joining the AI Pact at a later stage.”

The timing is particularly sensitive as regulators intensify their scrutiny of major tech companies concerning data privacy and algorithmic decision-making. By not aligning with the voluntary framework, Apple and Meta could face delays in launching new AI products and services across Europe, or potentially encounter stricter oversight.

This situation is critical for Apple’s anticipated “Intelligence”features connected to the iPhone 16 upgrades. Additionally, it poses challenges for the expansion of Meta AI, the company’s virtual assistant.

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