Who will write the rules for AI? How nations are racing to regulate artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) regulations are shaping the global landscape with over 1,600 AI policies and strategies worldwide, with significant contributions from the European Union, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The EU's AI Act and China's iterative approach to AI governance have prompted the US to take action with an executive order on safe and secure AI. Several countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Italy, Sri Lanka, and India, are implementing defensive strategies to mitigate AI risks. These regulations reflect geopolitical competition and may favour large tech companies due to compliance costs—the Bletchley Declaration, involving 28 countries, pledges cooperation on AI safety. However, disagreements, like China's social credit system, could hinder global collaboration, and current regulations lack clear definitions and may need refinement. Ethical consensus and national interests will underpin global AI governance.