The final declaration of the global AI summit, which concluded on Tuesday in Paris, was signed by 61 countries—but notably, the United States and the United Kingdom were not among them.
The Élysée Palace stated that additional countries might sign the declaration in the coming hours, according to Reuters, AFP, and The Guardian. The declaration outlines key principles for artificial intelligence, emphasizing openness, inclusivity, transparency, ethics, safety, and trustworthiness. Among the signatories are Germany, France, China, and India, the latter of which will host the next global AI summit, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
US officials did not immediately explain their decision not to sign. However, Vice President J.D. Vance had previously warned against excessive government regulation of AI, arguing that it could stifle innovation by discouraging risk-taking necessary for progress.
Vance also criticized the European Union’s regulatory measures, including the Digital Services Act and GDPR, and cautioned against partnering with authoritarian regimes—a clear reference to China. “Engaging with such regimes never pays off in the long run,” he said, stressing that the US remains committed to protecting AI and semiconductor technology from theft and misuse.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who did not attend the summit, stated that discussions were ongoing and that Britain would join other AI initiatives while continuing to collaborate with key partners, including France.
“We only commit to initiatives that align with the UK’s national interests,” the spokesperson added.
One of the declaration’s key priorities is ensuring AI’s sustainability for both people and the planet. As part of this effort, summit participants agreed to establish a new institution under the leadership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to address the energy demands of AI, a technology known for its significant power consumption.
