UK, US decline to sign global AI agreement

The UK and US have not signed an international AI agreement at the global summit in Paris.

The declaration, endorsed by countries like France, China, and India, commits to an "open," "inclusive," and "ethical" approach to AI development, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Downing Street stated that the UK "couldn't agree on all parts of the leaders' declaration" and would "only sign up for initiatives that align with the UK's national interests." Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance addressed delegates in Paris, warning that excessive AI regulation could "kill a transformative industry just as it's starting to grow."

Vance emphasized that AI was "an opportunity that the Trump administration will not squander," advocating for "pro-growth AI policies" to take precedence over safety concerns. He argued that regulation should support AI development "rather than stifle it." Vance also suggested that European leaders should approach this "new frontier with optimism, not fear," positioning himself in contrast to French President Emmanuel Macron, who backed the need for more regulation.

"We need these rules for AI to move forward," Macron said at the summit. The UK has historically supported the concept of AI safety, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosting the world’s first AI Safety Summit in November 2023. Andrew Dudfield, Head of AI at the fact-checking organization Full Fact, expressed concern that the government's choice not to sign the Paris communique could jeopardize this commitment. "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.

The statement, endorsed by 60 countries, highlights the summit's commitment to bridging digital divides by enhancing AI accessibility and ensuring that it is "transparent," "safe," as well as "secure and trustworthy," along with other objectives. "Making AI sustainable for people and the planet," is listed as a further priority.

The agreement also highlights that AI's energy consumption, which experts have cautioned could match that of small countries in the future, was addressed at the Summit for the first time. Regarding the UK's decision not to sign the agreement, the Prime Minister's spokesperson informed reporters that "these discussions are ongoing" and emphasized that the UK has "collaborated closely with the French throughout this process." "They remain one of our closest partners in all areas of AI," they said. 

This comes as discussions continue regarding the effects of AI development on society, the environment, and governance. At the Paris summit, policy-makers, executives, and diplomats have been exploring ways to harness the economic advantages of AI innovation while managing the risks associated with the technology. 

The summit was initiated by Macron, who shared a compilation of humorous deepfake videos of himself in well-known movies and TV shows 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 February 11. She stated that Europe's approach to AI, which has been strongly supported throughout the summit, will focus on innovation, collaboration, and "leveraging the power of open source" technology. 

The meeting is occurring amid escalating trade tensions between the US and Europe. President Trump has chosen to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the US, a decision that will impact both the UK and the EU. It is understood that the UK will not respond immediately, as it aims to balance maintaining strong relations with the Trump administration while also fostering closer ties with the EU.

By Naila Huseynova