AI Governance Summit Splits International Consensus

At the AI Action Summit in Paris this February, 58 countries adopted a non-binding declaration promoting ethical, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable AI, which was a historic push for shared international standards. The document, titled the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable AI, emphasized ensuring AI access for all, safeguarding against market concentration, and promoting fairness and environmental care.

However, two major players, the United States and the United Kingdom, chose not to sign. The U.S., represented by Vice President J.D. Vance, argued that the declaration’s language risked overregulation that could stifle innovation and compromise American leadership in AI. He emphasized the need for light-touch rules to avoid limiting breakthrough technologies.

Vance also raised concerns about partnering with authoritarian regimes, subtly referencing countries like China.

Across the field, the UK voiced worry that the pact didn’t go far enough in addressing national security and global governance frameworks. A government spokesperson noted it lacked practical clarity and failed to address core security issues.

Reactions were swift. Europe, led by President Emmanuel Macron, positioned itself between the U.S. free-market approach and China's state-led model, advocating for balanced regulation alongside significant investments in AI infrastructure.

Meanwhile, China, despite criticism over surveillance practices, joined the declaration, adding geopolitically symbolic weight to the agreement.

Observers have described this outcome as a sign of a growing global rift in AI governance. The summit, meant to forge unity, instead highlighted competing visions: one driven by innovation, one by oversight, and another by state influence.