The UK and the US have declined to sign an international agreement on AI at the Paris Summit, despite endorsements from 60 countries, including France, China, and India. The agreement promotes an “open,” “inclusive,” and “ethical” approach to AI development, prioritizing transparency, safety, and sustainability.
The UK cited concerns over national security and global governance clarity for its refusal. UKAI, representing the domestic AI sector, supported the decision, advocating for pragmatic solutions and cooperation with the US. Conversely, Andrew Dudfield of Full Fact warned the UK’s credibility on AI safety could be damaged.
US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of “pro-growth” policies, warning that overregulation could stifle the industry’s potential. His position clashed with French President Emmanuel Macron, who stressed the need for clear AI rules to ensure safety.
While the UK government signed agreements on sustainability and cybersecurity, it argued the Paris Declaration lacked practical solutions for governance and security. This decision unfolds as tensions rise between the US and Europe over trade policies, underscoring the complex balance between innovation, security, and international cooperation.
Background to the Paris Summit on AI
The Paris Summit marked the third global gathering on AI, following previous summits at Bletchley Park, U.K. (2023) and Seoul, South Korea (2024). Like its predecessors, the event concluded with a widely endorsed communiqué emphasizing inclusive AI development and narrowing global inequalities. The declaration also urged measures to prevent market concentration and promote openness and transparency in AI innovation.
Progress on Sustainable AI
A key outcome was the formation of the Coalition for Sustainable AI, comprising 37 tech companies and several countries. This coalition set concrete goals, including developing standards for measuring AI’s environmental impact, improving reporting practices, and optimizing algorithms to reduce energy consumption. While non-binding, the coalition’s initiatives signal a growing commitment to sustainable AI practices.
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First International AI Treaty Signed
Another notable moment was Canada’s signing of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy, and Rule of Law—joining 12 other signatories, including the U.S., U.K., and the European Union. The treaty encourages national laws addressing privacy, bias, safety, and sustainability in AI development.
Despite criticisms for lacking enforcement mechanisms, the treaty reflects a collective effort to establish international norms. However, political shifts could impact implementation—such as potential policy reversals in the U.S. under a Republican Congress or in Canada under a Conservative government.
The Paris Summit underscored a global consensus on the urgency of AI regulation, with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and responsible development. This event signals that future discussions on AI governance will likely center on balancing innovation with ethical safeguards.