As world leaders and technology executives convene in Paris this week to discuss artificial intelligence, deep divisions have already emerged, with some nations refusing to support international AI regulation. Both the United Kingdom and the United States opted not to sign the Paris AI Action Statement, an agreement backed by 60 countries inculding France, China, India, and others. The declaration emphasizes a vision for AI that is “transparent,” “inclusive,” and “ethically responsible.”
The UK government explained its decision by stating that it could not fully agree to all parts of the declaration and would only support initiatives that align with national interests. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that excessive regulation could “hinder a rapidly growing industry before it achieves its full potential.” Speaking at the summit, Vance reaffirmed that the Trump administration prioritizes AI-driven economic expansion over stringent oversight.
This stance appears to be in contrast to the UK Prime Minister’s 2024 speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he described the use of AI in military applications without established regulations as an issue “too urgent to ignore.”
The Stop Killer Robots UK Coalition urges the UK government to reject the false dilemma between innovation and regulation and back the calls for the negotiations of a treaty on Autonomous Weapons Systems.
The next meeting of the GGE is in Geneva in three weeks time, where representatives from various states will examine a potential elements for such a treaty. We call on the UK government to demonstrate leadership by publicly committing to formal negotiations as the next crucial step forward.
