March 14, 2025

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US & UK Refuse to Sign Global AI Pact at Paris Summit, Prioritizing Growth Over Regulation

Mubashar Masood02 mins
The UK and US have not signed an international agreement on artificial intelligence (AI) at a global summit in Paris. The statement, signed by France, China and India among other countries, pledges an "open", "inclusive" and "ethical" approach to the technology's development. Discussions at the AI Action Summit in Paris have focused on the impact of AI on society and the environment - and what action is needed to capture its benefits and prevent its risks. The US and UK have not explained their reasons for not being signatories. But earlier US Vice President JD Vance told delegates in Paris that too much regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) could "kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off". Vance told world leaders gathered at the Summit in Paris on Tuesday that AI was "an opportunity that the Trump administration will not squander" and said "pro-growth AI policies" should be prioritised over safety. He said that this would require regulation which fosters AI development, "rather than strangles it". Vance added that leaders in Europe should especially "look to this new frontier with optimism, rather than trepidation". His comments appear to 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 said at the summit. It comes amid discussions about the impact of AI development on society, the environment and governance. Policy-makers, executives and diplomats at the Paris summit have been mulling ways to capture the economic benefits of AI innovation, while addressing the technology's risks. It was kicked off by French President Emmanuel Macron posting a compilation of jokey deepfake clips of himself in popular films and TV series on social media. "This summit is focused on action, and that is exactly what we need right now," said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. She said Europe's approach to AI, which has been championed throughout the summit, will also emphasise innovation, collaboration and "embrace the power of open source" technology. The meeting is also taking place at a time of growing trade tensions between the US and Europe. President Tump has decided to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the US, a move that will affect the UK and EU. It's understood the UK will not immediately retaliate, as it seeks to tread a delicate path of maintaining good relations with the Trump administration while also building closer ties with the EU.

The US and UK have opted not to sign an international AI agreement at the AI Action Summit in Paris, despite endorsements from France, China, India, and other nations. The agreement promotes an open, inclusive, and ethical approach to AI development.

Key Takeaways from the AI Action Summit:

1. US & UK’s Absence from the AI Pact

  • The US and UK did not explain their reasons for not signing.
  • US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that excessive AI regulations could stifle innovation.
  • The Trump administration prioritizes pro-growth AI policies over strict safety measures.

2. Global AI Regulation vs. Innovation Debate

  • Vance urged leaders to view AI with optimism rather than fear.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron countered, advocating for AI regulations to ensure responsible development.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported an approach balancing innovation, collaboration, and open-source technology.

3. AI’s Impact on Society & Economy

  • The summit focused on AI’s societal, environmental, and economic effects.
  • Policymakers and executives discussed ways to leverage AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.

4. US-Europe Trade Tensions Add Complexity

  • The meeting also comes amid rising US-Europe trade tensions.
  • President Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum affect both the UK and EU.
  • The UK seeks to balance its relations with the US while strengthening ties with the EU.

The Paris AI Summit highlights the global divide over AI regulation, with the US and UK choosing a growth-first approach, while Europe pushes for responsible governance.

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