The US and UK Refuse to Sign a Global AI Accord at the Paris Summit

US Vice President Vance has cautioned that overly strict regulation of AI may “kill a transformative industry,” advocating for pro-growth policies instead.

In contrast to nations like France, China, and India, the United States and the United Kingdom have refused to sign an international accord on artificial intelligence (AI) at a global meeting in Paris.

An “open,” “inclusive,” and “ethical” approach to AI research is promised in the declaration, which has been endorsed by 60 countries. It addresses worries about the energy consumption of the technology while outlining aims such guaranteeing openness, safety, and sustainability in AI systems. 

The UK “hadn’t been able to agree all parts of the leaders’ declaration,” according to Downing Street, which also stressed that the UK will “only ever sign up to initiatives that are in UK national interests.” 

Likewise, US Vice President JD Vance voiced his disapproval of strict AI laws, cautioning that overzealous regulation would “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.” 

“Pro-growth AI policies must be prioritized,” Vance said conference attendees. “Instead of stifling AI development, regulation should promote it.” 

His comments appeared to run counter to French President Emmanuel Macron’s need for stricter laws governing AI to guarantee its growth in a morally and safely responsible manner. 

Macron defended Europe’s more cautious stance by saying, “We need these rules for AI to move forward.” 

Experts have criticized the UK’s choice to not sign the accord. The head of AI at the fact-checking group Full Fact, Andrew Dudfield, cautioned that it damages the UK’s standing as a pioneer in AI safety. 

“The UK Government runs the risk of undermining its hard-won credibility as a global leader for safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI innovation by refusing to sign today’s international AI Action Statement,” Dudfield stated. 

Ada Lovelace Institute assistant director Michael Birtwistle said he was perplexed by the UK’s decision and that it was hard to identify particular issues with the statement. 

The summit’s main goal was to strike a balance between AI innovation and issues of government, society, and the environment. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, promoted open-source AI development and underlined the need of action, creativity, and cooperation. 

The UK’s decision to not sign the Paris accord raises concerns about its future influence on global AI policy as talks on AI governance continue, especially as it tries to strike a balance between preserving close ties with the US and the EU in the face of increasing trade tensions.