Key points
- Statement calls for an “open”, “inclusive” and “ethical” approach to AI
- UK government did not sign due to concerns about national security and “global governance”
- Too much AI regulation could “kill a transformative industry”: Vance
ISLAMABAD: The UK and the US have not signed an international artificial intelligence (AI) agreement at a global summit in Paris.
The statement, signed by dozens of countries including France, China, and India, pledges an “open”, “inclusive” and “ethical” approach to the technology’s development, according to Al Jazeera.
In a brief statement, the UK government said it had been unable to add its name to it due to concerns about national security and “global governance.”
Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance told delegates in Paris that too much artificial intelligence (AI) regulation 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 prioritised over safety.
Different approaches
His comments seem to put him at differences 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.
The UK has 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.
Andrew Dudfield, head of AI at fact-checking organisation Full Fact, said the government’s decision not to sign the Paris communique put that at risk.
“By refusing to sign today’s international AI Action Statement the UK Government risks undercutting its hard-won credibility as a world leader for safe, ethical and trustworthy AI innovation,” he said.
Right decision
However, UKAI – a trade body representing businesses working in the sector across the country – said it was the right decision.
“While UKAI agrees that being environmentally responsible is important, we question how to balance this responsibility with the growing needs of the AI industry for more energy,” said its chief executive Tim Flagg.
“UKAI cautiously welcomes the Government’s refusal to sign this statement as an indication that it will explore the more pragmatic solutions that UKAI has been calling for – retaining opportunities to work closely with our US partners”, he added.
The AI declaration
The statement signed by 60 countries sets out an ambition to minmise digital divides by promoting AI accessibility, and ensuring the tech’s development is “transparent”, “safe” as well as “secure, and trustworthy”, according to BBC.
“Making AI sustainable for people and the planet,” is mentioned as a further priority.
The summit also mentions AI’s energy use which experts have warned could increase to use as much as small countries in years to come.
“Looking at the summit declaration, it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly in that statement the government disagrees with,” said Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute.
The government said in a statement it “agreed with much of the leader’s declaration” but felt it was lacking in some parts.
“We 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,” a government spokesperson said.
Signing other agreements
The government has signed other agreements at the Paris AI Action Summit about sustainability and cybersecurity, they further said.
Downing Street has also emphasised it has not been led by the Trump administration.
“This isn’t about the US, this is about our national interest, ensuring the balance between opportunity and security”, a spokesperson said.
It comes along with discussions at the summit about the effect of AI development on society, the environment, and governance.
Reaping economic benefits
Policy-makers, executives, and diplomats have been thinking of ways to reap the economic benefits of AI innovation along with addressing the technology’s risks.
It was started by Macron posting a combination 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 showcased throughout the summit, would also emphasise innovation, and collaboration and “embrace the power of open source” technology.
