PARIS, France – The UK and the US have refused to sign an international agreement on artificial intelligence (AI) at a global summit in Paris, underscoring growing divisions over AI regulation.
The statement, backed by 60 countries including France, China, and India, commits to an “open,” “inclusive,” and “ethical” approach to AI development.
However, Downing Street said the UK “hadn’t been able to agree on all parts of the leaders’ declaration” and would “only ever sign up to initiatives that are in the UK’s national interest.”
US Vice President JD Vance, in his first major international appearance, struck a defiant tone, warning that excessive regulation could “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.”
Speaking to world leaders in Paris, Vance emphasized that AI presented an economic opportunity that the Trump administration “will not squander.”
“Pro-growth AI policies must be prioritized over safety,” Vance declared, adding that regulations should “foster AI development rather than strangle it.”
He urged European leaders to approach AI with “optimism rather than trepidation.”
His remarks put him at odds with French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended tighter AI regulations.
“We need these rules for AI to move forward,” Macron insisted at the summit.
The UK’s decision not to sign the Paris communique has raised questions about its commitment to AI safety.
The UK hosted the first AI Safety Summit in 2023 under then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI development.
However, some experts argue that declining to sign the latest agreement undermines that reputation.
“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,” said Andrew Dudfield, Head of AI at fact-checking organization Full Fact.
The Paris declaration aims to reduce digital divides by promoting AI accessibility and ensuring transparency, safety, and trustworthiness.
It also raises concerns about AI’s energy consumption, which some experts warn could rival that of small nations in the coming years.
Despite the UK’s absence from the agreement, Downing Street maintained that AI remains a key area of cooperation with France.
“These discussions are pretty live,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. “We have worked closely with the French throughout this process, and they remain one of our closest partners in all areas of AI.”
The summit takes place against a backdrop of growing tensions between the US and Europe over AI governance and trade policies.
The Trump administration recently imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, affecting both the UK and the EU, further complicating transatlantic relations.
Vance’s speech served as a stark reminder of the widening gap between AI policies on either side of the Atlantic.
As the US champions a hands-off approach to AI development, Europe continues to push for a regulatory framework aimed at mitigating risks.
