The AI Action Sum
mit, held in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, brought together global leaders to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) policies. The goal was to create a shared framework for responsible AI development. However, major disagreements between countries led to a divided outcome. While many nations signed a declaration supporting ethical and inclusive AI, the United States and the United Kingdom refused to join. Their decision highlights the growing divide in how countries view AI regulation and its role in the future.
The summit was attended by representatives from multiple countries, including France, China, India, Germany, Canada, and Australia. The primary goal was to establish international cooperation on AI policies, focusing on transparency, ethics, and security. A proposed declaration aimed to promote AI development that benefits society while preventing risks such as bias, misinformation, and misuse of AI technologies.
France, as the host country, led efforts to push for a global agreement. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a structured approach to AI that ensures safety while encouraging innovation. China and India, along with most European nations, supported the declaration, believing that a global framework is necessary to guide AI’s development responsibly.
The United States and the United Kingdom were the most notable holdouts.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance explained that the country is concerned about excessive regulations slowing down AI progress. He argued that AI should remain open to rapid development to maintain America’s leadership in technology. The U.S. believes that too many restrictions could stifle competition and limit AI’s potential benefits.
Similarly, the U.K. government stated that the agreement did not align with their policies. British officials emphasized the importance of balancing AI’s opportunities with security measures but preferred a national approach rather than an international framework. The U.K. has been investing heavily in AI research and does not want restrictive regulations to affect its growth in the sector.
The refusal of the U.S. and U.K. to sign the declaration sends a strong message about their priorities. While other countries see a need for collective rules to ensure AI safety, the U.S. and U.K. prioritize innovation and competition. This division could lead to different AI standards worldwide, making it difficult to establish common rules for AI safety and ethics.
Some experts worry that without a unified approach, companies will follow the least restrictive policies, potentially leading to ethical concerns. Others argue that flexible regulations could encourage faster advancements and economic growth.
Countries that supported the declaration expressed disappointment with the U.S. and U.K.’s decision.
French officials stated that international cooperation is essential for AI safety and fairness. China and India also pushed for stronger global policies, arguing that AI should be developed with strict ethical guidelines to avoid harmful consequences.
The debate over AI regulations is far from over.
Future AI summits, such as the expected 2026 AI conference in Berlin, may continue discussions and attempt to bring more countries into agreement.
However, as AI technology advances rapidly, governments will have to make critical decisions on whether to regulate AI strictly or allow the industry to self-govern.