Meta will not immediately join EU's AI pact, focuses on AI Act compliance

Meta Platforms has announced it will wait to join the European Union's AI Pact, a temporary measure designed to encourage responsible AI practices before the AI Act becomes law.

The AI Act, approved by EU lawmakers in May 2024, will require companies to provide detailed summaries of the data used in training their AI models. Most of the act’s regulations will take effect on August 2, 2026.

Until then, companies are encouraged to voluntarily join the AI Pact to implement key aspects of the upcoming law.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the company is focusing on its compliance work for the AI Act but has left the door open to joining the pact later. Meta supports harmonised EU regulations but has prioritised preparations for the formal legal requirements of the act, which is part of a broader regulatory framework including the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, Data Governance Act, and Data Act.

The AI Act aims to be the first comprehensive legislation governing AI development and deployment within the EU.

While Meta’s decision to hold off on joining the voluntary pact may raise questions, it highlights the company’s strategic focus on meeting the formal legal requirements that will come into force in 2026. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Meta’s approach reflects the balancing act many tech firms must navigate between immediate voluntary commitments and long-term regulatory compliance.