PARIS: US Vice President JD Vance has emerged as a central figure at the AI Summit in Paris, criticizing what he termed as “excessive regulation” of artificial intelligence that he argues threatens the industry's growth. This summit, co-hosted with French President Emmanuel Macron, has brought together world leaders and tech executives to discuss the future of AI in a climate increasingly defined by rivalry among the US, Europe, and China.

During his first major policy address since taking office, Vance highlighted that applications of AI span economics, security, and job creation, characterizing this moment as a potential “new industrial revolution” comparable to the invention of the steam engine. However, he warned that overregulation could deter innovation. “The Trump administration believes that AI will have countless revolutionary applications,” he stated, emphasizing that unnecessary restrictions could “paralyze one of the most promising technologies” of recent generations. He also stressed that AI technologies developed in the US must remain “free from ideological bias” and that “the right to free speech” should never be restricted.

Vance's speech comes amid a divergent global stance on AI governance. Europe is tightening its grip with new regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring AI safety, as indicated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called for AI systems to be “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.” This regulatory push contrasts sharply with the US's stance, which prioritizes minimal government oversight in the hope of fostering innovation. Vance’s remarks on regulatory approach starkly position the US against a Europe that is increasingly vocal about the need for accountability in AI technologies.

Highlighting the competitive landscape, Vance also pointed out China's aggressive expansion into AI through state-backed tech initiatives, underscoring the necessity for the US to maintain its leadership in the sector. He cautioned against forming partnerships with “authoritarian regimes,” suggesting that such decisions could jeopardize nations' information security and autonomy. The vice president pointed to China’s new AI chatbot, DeepSeek, as a spark for ongoing discussions about security risks related to foreign AI technologies.

The summit is notable not only for its focus on AI but also for the broader implications it has for US-European relations, particularly as the Trump administration seeks to recalibrate its relationships with NATO allies amidst varying expectations for defense spending and commitment levels. Vance has been unambiguous in suggesting that European countries may need to step up their contributions to NATO if they continue to impose restrictions that could impact US technology companies.

As tensions escalate around AI governance, a new public-private partnership named “Current AI” was announced at the summit. This initiative aims to support large-scale AI projects serving public interests, though it remains uncertain whether the US will participate in these efforts. Vance’s visit is seen as a crucial step for reinforcing Trump's administration’s proactive diplomatic strategy, with upcoming discussions on NATO commitments and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

The backdrop of Vance's remarks highlights a complex interplay of global tech governance where free-market ideologies are clashing with increasing regulatory demands, shaping how countries will navigate the future of artificial intelligence amidst growing competition.

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