The US and UK refuse to sign a global deal on ethical AI

The race to govern artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a sharp turn after the US and UK refused to sign an international agreement that would have made sure AI research was safe, ethical, and open to everyone. The announcement came at the AI Action Summit in Paris. It shows a growing gap between countries that want strict AI rules and those that value innovation over safety. Over 100 countries attended; however, the US and UK were excluded from the final communiqué. This prompts us to consider AI governance, international agreement, and the delicate balance between scientific advancement and morality.

The US and UK worry about AI regulation

Even though 60 countries signed the agreement, the US and UK decided not to participate, saying they were worried about too many rules and how they would affect AI innovation. JD Vance, the US vice president, was very critical of European AI rules. He said strict controls on AI development would “paralyze one of the most promising technologies of our generation.” The British government also said that the agreement’s language did not match its approach to AI safety, which was laid out at its own AI Safety Summit in 2023.

Changes to Speed Up Innovation

Experts say this move is a significant change in US policy because it puts concerns about safety and regulation second to the need for fast AI progress. Russell Wald from Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI said that the US is now focusing on speeding up AI growth instead of putting in place stricter rules. The US view agrees that more rules could stop AI from reaching its full potential, hurting economic competitiveness and slowing down technological progress.

Europe Takes a Step Forward in AI Governance

The EU, on the other hand, passed the world’s first complete AI Act, which went into effect in August 2024. The EU’s method of developing AI emphasizes human rights, moral concerns, and democratic values. In September, the US and the UK signed the Framework Convention on AI. 

Conclusion

The US and UK disagree with the ethical AI deal because they won’t be joining it. While Europe pushes for stricter rules, the US and UK prefer a hands-off approach, hoping that new ideas will lead to economic growth.