Google pledges to sign EU AI Code of Practice

Google has confirmed that it will sign the European Union’s AI Code of Practice, joining efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed responsibly.

Google has confirmed that it will sign the European Union’s AI Code of Practice.

The commitment – which is meant to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed responsibly – is part of the company’s broader strategy to work closely with regulators and industry partners ahead of the EU’s landmark AI Act, which comes into effect later this year.

In an official blog post, Google said: “We welcome the EU’s leadership in shaping a framework for AI that promotes innovation while addressing important risks.

“By signing the Code of Practice, we’re committing to transparency, accountability and ensuring AI systems are safe and reliable.”

The EU AI Code of Practice is a voluntary initiative aimed at fostering best practices across the AI industry, encouraging companies to adhere to principles like fairness, data protection and explainability of AI models.

While the upcoming AI Act will impose legally binding rules, the code provides a collaborative foundation for companies to demonstrate responsible behaviour before those regulations fully take effect.

Google stated that it has already implemented several of the code’s principles, including risk assessments, red-teaming of models, and providing clear user guidance for its AI tools.

The company added: “We’ve long believed that AI must be developed with safety and trust at its core.

“This code is another step towards building systems that work for everyone.”

The announcement comes as EU regulators intensify their scrutiny of Big Tech firms’ use of AI, with a particular focus on generative AI models such as Google’s Gemini.

By signing the Code of Practice, Google aims to align itself with the EU’s vision for responsible AI and set an industry example.

The company confirmed that it will collaborate with policymakers and other signatories to refine the code and ensure its principles evolve alongside advancements in AI technology.