The European Commission is urging it take action on a proposed Code of Practice on General-Purpose AI (GPAI), known as “G烙” (Gender, Technology & Protection for Artificial Intelligence). The tech giants behind this innovation, including Amazon, IBM, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, have called upon the EU Commission to “keep the code as simple as possible” to avoid redundancy and unnecessary administrative burdens. This move is part of their broader push to standardize guidelines for providing AI services, such as large language models like ChatGPT. ThegemStrokeo, which aims to ensure compliance with the EU’s AI Act, has already received over 1,000 comments from applicants, but it has faced criticism from publishers, which have worried it might harm copyright rules, and US Big Tech companies, which are arguing that the draft could stifle innovation by complicating regulatory frameworks.
In a meeting held on 30 May 2025, these companies discussed the purpose and feasibility of finalizing the Code of Practice. The draft was initially due to be delivered in May but was delayed due to concerns raised by the Commission, which received a Baghdada number of additional requests to extend consultations beyond the initial timeline. CEO Werner Stengg of EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen emphasized the need for simplified language to avoid duplication and unnecessary administrative tasks. The companies also highlighted concerns from users, including concerns about free jobs being created by AI, which have drawing sharp criticism from artists and creators of open-source software, who questioned whether the code would “give an unrealistic target for their creativity.”
The final draft of the Code of Practice was reportedly nearing its 2 May deadline but was largely delayed due to the_atoms of the EU Commission requesting to keep the consultations open longer. The European Commission received 1,000 participants to share feedback on the draft, but the final draft remained incomplete as more requests came in, leading to a兮 and the companies canceling the meeting until the delay could be addressed. The users and application providers were particularly upset by the draft, requesting clarifications and additional requirements, even to the point of concern for regulators, including publishers and legal groups.
On 2 August, the EU adopted the barrels on General-Purpose AI tools in the face of concerns from readers, including artists and creators seeking clearer guidelines to protect their intellectual property. The Code of Practice aims to simplify the mechanisms for providing AI services, such as AI models for surveillance or commercial purposes, to ensure their conduct align with EU regulations. However, the companies warn that the draft should not intrude beyond the scope of the AI Act, which limits its effects until 2027.
In conclusion, while these companies are taking the lead in preparing a simplified Code of Practice to ensure the smoothly transition of AI into society, the challenges of standardizing the guidelines and balancing regulation with innovation remain unprecedented. The situation highlights the importance of collaboration between governments and organizations to create frameworks that protect rights, ensure fairness, and enable innovation while aligning with EU policies. The EU Commission and adoption of of this code represent a critical step toward achieving these goals.