Global Struggle to Regulate AI: A Reflection of the Larger Political Debate over Controls

The ongoing political debate around controlling AI is a reflection of the larger global struggle to establish rules and regulations for this era-defining technology. The recent discussion, attended by prominent figures such as former British deputy prime minister Clegg, Washington, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted the challenges of regulating AI in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The debate was a snapshot of the broader political battle that has been taking place worldwide. Amba Kak from the AI Now Institute described it as an alternate reality, with nations dividing the world along similar lines to 19th-century European powers. However, unlike those times, there is no clear winner yet in this digital Great Game.

At the meeting, 29 countries signed a voluntary agreement to reduce risks associated with AI technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This marked a significant step towards establishing guidelines and standards for the use of these technologies. Nevertheless, policymakers anticipate that there will be fierce battles over control of AI technology in the coming year, with winners and losers emerging.

POLITICO interviewed numerous politicians, policymakers, and tech executives to gain insights into the dynamics at play as the world navigates this disruptive technology. The debate around policing AI is likely to continue well into 2024 as governments finalize many new standards and regulations to ensure that this technology is used safely and ethically.