US, UK Reject AI Action Summit Statement
The Facts
Over 60 countries and organizations gathered at the Paris AI Action Summit have signed a statement focused on developing inclusive and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI). Signatories include the European Commission (EC), China, and India, but exclude the US and UK.
The final statement as provided by Politico is identical to that leaked by Transformernews.ai on Feb. 8 and dated Jan. 30. It outlines six main priorities including promoting AI accessibility, ensuring ethical AI development, fostering innovation, shaping future work, as well as ensuring sustainability and international cooperation.
A "Public Interest AI Initiative" — described by the Summit's website as a means to develop "common goods in the field of data, open models and citizen participation" — is confirmed, alongside observatories focused on AI's impact on jobs as well as energy impact and sustainability.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite criticism, the AI Action Summit represents a crucial step toward inclusive and ethical AI development, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address digital divides and ensure sustainable technological progress. The establishment of concrete initiatives like the Public Interest AI Platform demonstrates meaningful action toward responsible AI governance. The broad international support shows a strong global commitment to collaborative, ethical, and inclusive AI development.
Establishment-critical narrative
The AI Action Summit statement is a disaster. Both the US and UK have outright refused to sign, with Downing Street unimpressed by a lack of focus on security and governance while the White House is unwilling to compromise innovation for inclusivity. Macron has alienated key allies while also failing to appease civil society, who are outraged by a lack of focus on AI risk. This summit, instead of fostering cooperation, has only deepened divides.
