During the Paris summit, a declaration outlining a framework for “inclusive and sustainable” AI was put forward with a strong emphasis on openness, transparency, and ethical standards. Despite garnering support from 60 nations, the United States and the United Kingdom chose not to sign the document. While neither country provided an immediate explanation, a spokesperson for the UK government stressed that Britain would commit only to initiatives that align with its national interests.
Regulatory Concerns and Transatlantic Tensions
The refusal to sign the declaration coincided with pointed remarks from US Vice President JD Vance at the summit. Speaking from the Grand Palais, Vance criticized what he described as Europe’s “excessive regulation” of technology, arguing that overly restrictive policies could stifle the transformative potential of the AI sector. He cautioned that an inflexible regulatory framework might impede innovation and warned against aligning too closely with countries like China, whose approach to technology and governance he characterized as authoritarian. His comments have fueled speculation about a growing transatlantic divide over how best to foster and regulate emerging technologies.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The declaration, which emphasizes making AI “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy,” reflects a global aspiration to balance innovation with responsibility. However, the reluctance of the US and UK to endorse it signals differing priorities. A spokesperson for the UK government dismissed suggestions that Britain was following the US lead, insisting that the decision was based solely on national interest. Meanwhile, Labour politicians expressed concern over the potential implications, suggesting that a misalignment with US policies could force the UK into a subordinate position in future tech governance debates. Additionally, campaign groups have warned that not supporting a robust regulatory framework could undermine the reputation of both countries as leaders in ethical AI innovation.
