Ram is a long-time financial and technology reporter and editor. Moreover, he has been a consistent leader in coverage of other important developments in the tech sector as well. His deep background spans beat reporting on the equity, regulatory news and debt markets at Reuters and Acuris Global. He recently noticed an increased discussion around the European Union’s AI Act and EU Code of Practice. Many policymakers and experts fear that these regulations could slow Europe’s development of AI.
Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google, recently addressed these issues head-on. He made those remarks while participating in an expert discussion on the EU’s AI code of practice. He acknowledged that the final version of the code was an improvement over the initial proposals made by the EU. He testified on both the AI Act and the code, voicing concerns with many of their provisions. Donahoe thinks that these issues raise the risk of driving AI development and deployment entirely outside Europe.
In short, Google is against making the EU AI code of practice legally binding. This release coincided with significant momentum in the field. The corporation was unequivocal in its desire to adhere to the emerging guidelines. Yet, simultaneously, it promotes a flexible framework that supports innovation. Walker stressed that though compliance is necessary, it cannot be achieved at the cost of fostering innovation.
The tech community is becoming more concerned with AI regulations. This increased scrutiny is part of a broader discussion about how good intentions should be balanced with caution. The next techcrunch disrupters event will be held October 27-29, 2025 in San Francisco. Industry leaders are getting ready to address those urgent themes. Look for plenty more fascinating conversations like this one at the event. They’re going to make it approachable by discussing how regulatory frameworks can adapt to facilitate technological advancement while protecting ethical standards.
Ram is riding the wave of disruption, actively covering pivotal moments in tech and finance. The tussle between regulation and innovation quickly emerged as a key theme. Observers will be keenly watching how companies like Google navigate the complexities of the EU’s AI legislation while maintaining their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
