US and UK Refuse to Support International AI Regulation Declaration

The United States and the United Kingdom declined to sign an international declaration on artificial intelligence at the Paris summit, raising questions about global consensus on the regulation of this rapidly evolving technology, reports NewsBox.

U.S. Vice President James David Vance, who represented the country at the summit, openly criticized the proposed regulatory approach promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders. The UK stated that it will support "only those initiatives that align with the country's national interests," according to BBC.

The European summit, which gathered leading experts and politicians, was dedicated to discussing the impact of AI on society, the economy, and the environment. Participants debated the steps needed to harness the benefits of the technology and mitigate potential risks.

Sixty countries, including France, China, Australia, Japan, and India, signed the declaration. The document emphasizes that the development of AI should be "open," "inclusive," and "ethical." For the first time at such an event, the energy consumption of AI was discussed, which experts predict could reach levels comparable to small countries in the coming years.

According to Politico, U.S. disagreements stem from wording in the declaration containing the phrases "sustainable and inclusive AI." Meanwhile, BBC correspondents noted that U.S. Vice President Jay Di Vance told delegates in Paris that overly strict regulation could "stifle a nascent industry just as it begins to grow."

Vice President Vance, on his first international trip, emphasized that the U.S. administration sees enormous opportunities in AI, and the priority should be creating "policy that fosters AI growth," rather than focusing solely on safety. In his view, regulation should encourage AI development and not "suffocate it." He also called on European leaders to "look at this new frontier with optimism, not apprehension."

These statements contrast with the position of French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit's co-chair, who advocates for stricter AI regulation. "We need rules for the development of AI," Macron stated at the summit.