The United States and the United Kingdom have chosen not to join an international agreement on artificial intelligence (AI), a decision that raises questions about global cooperation on AI regulation. This refusal, motivated by differences in approach and concerns about national sovereignty, could hamper efforts to establish international standards for the development and use of AI. This article examines the reasons for this refusal, the implications for global AI governance, and the prospects for future cooperation.
Reasons for the US and UK refusal
The precise reasons for the US and UK refusal to sign an international agreement on AI are not entirely clear, but several factors can be put forward. First, the US and the UK may prefer a more flexible and less burdensome regulatory approach that would allow them to adapt quickly to technological developments. An international agreement could be perceived as too rigid and likely to hamper innovation.
Second, the United States and the United Kingdom may wish to maintain their autonomy in AI policy, in order to protect their national interests and preserve their competitiveness in this strategic area. An international agreement could be perceived as an infringement of their sovereignty and a risk of losing control over the development of AI. Finally, differences in views on the priorities and values to be taken into account in the regulation of AI could also explain this refusal.
Implications for global AI governance
The refusal of the United States and the United Kingdom to sign an international agreement on AI could have important implications for the global governance of this technology. Without the adhesion of these two countries, it will be more difficult to establish effective and widely accepted international standards. This could lead to a fragmentation of AI regulation, with different approaches in different regions of the world.
This fragmentation could create barriers to trade and international cooperation in the field of AI. Moreover, it could make it harder to combat misuses of AI, such as disinformation, mass surveillance, and autonomous weapons. It is therefore essential that the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries continue to engage and seek common ground to promote responsible and coordinated governance of AI.
