The United States and the United Kingdom have declined to sign a landmark declaration on “inclusive and sustainable” artificial intelligence at the Paris AI Action Summit, raising concerns about global cooperation in the regulation and development of AI. The refusal by two of the world’s leading AI powerhouses has sparked criticism and debate over the future of international AI governance.

The communique, endorsed by 60 other nations on February 11, emphasized priorities such as ensuring AI remains “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy, taking into account international frameworks for all,” while also striving to make AI “sustainable for people and the planet.” The signatories included major players such as France, China, India, Japan, Australia, and Canada. However, the absence of the US and the UK from the list of endorsers cast a shadow over the summit’s ambition for a unified global approach to AI governance.

A spokesperson for the UK government clarified that while Britain agreed with much of the declaration, it believed the statement fell short in addressing crucial aspects of global AI governance and national security concerns. “We agreed with much of the leaders’ declaration and continue to work closely with our international partners. This is reflected in our signing of agreements on sustainability and cybersecurity today at the Paris AI Action summit,” the spokesperson said. “However, we felt the declaration didn’t provide enough practical clarity on global governance, nor sufficiently address harder questions around national security and the challenge AI poses to it.”

Similarly, the US vice-president, JD Vance, delivered a speech at the Grand Palais where he criticized Europe’s regulatory approach to AI and warned against aligning too closely with China on technology matters. Vance’s remarks suggested that excessive........

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