The UK and the US have both opted not to sign an international declaration on artificial intelligence (AI) during a global summit in Paris. The statement, which was signed by a multitude of countries, including France, China, and India, advocates for an “open,” “inclusive,” and “ethical” approach to AI development.
The agreement seeks to establish guiding principles for AI, ensuring the technology is developed in a manner that is transparent, safe, and trustworthy. It also pledges to promote accessibility, tackle the digital divide, and ensure AI’s sustainability for both people and the planet. The issue of AI’s growing energy consumption, which experts warn could rival the energy use of small nations in the coming years, was also addressed for the first time in a summit declaration.
However, despite the widespread support for the declaration, the UK government stated that it was unable to endorse the agreement, citing concerns related to national security and global governance. In a brief statement, the government explained that while it supported much of the content in the declaration, it believed there was insufficient clarity regarding global governance structures and the challenges AI poses to national security.
The US also refrained from signing the declaration, with Vice President JD Vance commenting that overly restrictive regulation could stifle AI’s growth. Addressing delegates in Paris, Vance warned that too much regulation could “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.” He emphasised that AI should be treated as a key opportunity for the future and that “pro-growth AI policies” should be prioritised over safety measures.
His statements appeared to contrast with French President Emmanuel Macron’s view that more regulation is needed. Macron argued, “We need these rules for AI to move forward,” reflecting a significant divergence in opinions between the US and European leaders regarding the approach to AI governance.
The UK’s reluctance to sign the declaration is particularly notable given the country’s previous efforts in AI safety. In November 2023, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the world’s first AI Safety Summit, positioning the UK as a leader in the safe development of AI. However, Andrew Dudfield, head of AI at the fact-checking organisation Full Fact, expressed concern that the UK’s decision could undermine its credibility in promoting safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI innovation.
“The UK Government risks undercutting its hard-won credibility as a world leader in safe AI by refusing to sign today’s international AI Action Statement,” Dudfield said.
In contrast, UKAI, a trade body representing businesses in the AI sector, supported the government’s stance. Chief Executive Tim Flagg stated that while environmental responsibility was important, there needed to be a balance with the growing energy demands of the AI industry. He cautiously welcomed the UK’s decision, interpreting it as an indication that the government might pursue more pragmatic solutions, particularly in collaboration with US partners.
The Paris AI Action Statement, signed by 60 countries, outlines several key priorities, including the promotion of AI accessibility, transparency, and the management of AI’s energy use. The agreement acknowledges the growing concerns about the environmental impact of AI and calls for greater efforts to ensure that the technology is developed in a sustainable manner.
Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, noted that the UK’s objections to the declaration were somewhat unclear. He pointed out that the summit’s declaration seemed to align with many of the government’s stated objectives, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly which aspects were objectionable.
Despite the government’s refusal to sign the full declaration, a spokesperson stated that the UK had endorsed other agreements made at the summit, including those focused on sustainability and cybersecurity. The spokesperson also stressed that the decision was based on the UK’s national interests, rather than the influence of the US administration.
“This isn’t about the US; this is about our own national interest, ensuring the balance between opportunity and security,” the spokesperson explained.
More Read
The summit itself was a platform for discussions on the societal, environmental, and governance implications of AI development. World leaders, policy-makers, and tech executives gathered to explore how AI can drive economic growth while addressing its potential risks. The event also coincided with increasing trade tensions between the US and Europe, particularly following US President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which will affect the UK and EU.
While the UK and US may have opted out of signing the declaration, their presence at the summit highlighted the importance of finding a balance between innovation, regulation, and security in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these differing perspectives will shape the future of AI governance on the global stage.
