Britain, US Decline To Sign AI Accord Over ‘Global Governance’ Worries
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
PARIS (Worthy News) – Britain and the United States have refused to sign an international agreement on artificial intelligence (AI), citing fears that it could lead to “global governance” and the overregulation of new technology.
Following a recent global summit in Paris, France, the British government said it “felt the declaration didn’t provide enough practical clarity on global governance, nor sufficiently address harder questions around national security and the challenge AI poses to it.”
It stressed that security “remains a vital part of AI’s future, and we look forward to continued discussions in this area.”
Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told delegates from scores of nations in Paris that too much regulation of AI could “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.”
Vance told world leaders that AI was “an opportunity that the Trump administration will not squander” and said “pro-growth AI policies” should be prioritized over safety.
His comments put him at odds with French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended the need for further regulation. “We need these rules for AI to move forward,” Macron stressed at the summit.
MILITARY WORRIES
Conference observers said Britain had previously been “a champion of the idea of AI safety,” with then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holding the world’s first AI Safety Summit in November 2023.
The controversy also comes after Worthy News documented concerns about AI’s role in the military and its increased surveillance of people.
In an AI statement signed by some 60 countries, including France, communist-run China, and India, nations pledged an “open,” “inclusive,” and “ethical” approach to the technology’s development.
The accord also encourages “AI deployment that positively shapes the future of work and labor markets” amid concerns millions of people could be left unemployed.
Additionally, it addresses AI’s massive energy usage, an issue that worries climate change activists, saying the world should ensure “making AI sustainable for people and the planet.”
Making “innovation in AI thrive by enabling conditions for its development and avoiding market concentration driving industrial recovery and development” is another top priority in the AI “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence.”
AI LEADER
Although the United States is among those not backing the accord, Vance said that America, “as the leader” of AI, wants its European allies to foster a more favorable attitude to the technology.
“Just because we’re the leader doesn’t mean we want to or need to do it alone, of course,” Vance stressed.
“America wants to partner with all of you, and we want to embark on the AI revolution before us with the spirit of openness and collaboration,” he stressed.
Following Vance’s speech, the European Union’s executive European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU would spend 200 billion euros (nearly $217 billion) for AI investments in Europe.
She added that the sum includes 150 billion euros in previously announced funding from investors and industry, which the 27-nation bloc “will top up” by another 50 billion euros.
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