The United States has rejected proposals for international oversight of artificial intelligence at the United Nations General Assembly, sparking concerns about a potential AI arms race and fragmented global standards. The US prioritizes sovereign control over AI development, viewing it as essential for maintaining technological leadership and national security.
Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated that the US "totally rejects all efforts by international bodies to assert centralized control and global governance of AI." Instead, the US supports like-minded nations working together to encourage AI development in line with shared values.
The UN's special envoy for digital and emerging technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill, clarified that the UN's role in AI governance is not about top-down regulation but rather providing platforms for international cooperation. The UN has introduced the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which aims to forge consensus around common interests and promote multilateralism.
China's Stance: China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ma Zhaoxu, emphasized the need for an open, inclusive, fair, and nondiscriminatory environment for technological development, opposing unilateralism and protectionism. China supports the UN playing a central role in AI governance.
European Nations: European nations have implemented stringent AI regulations, potentially creating trade frictions with the US. Global South: Developing nations may face challenges in accessing AI benefits due to the lack of international cooperation and fragmented standards.
The US aims to pioneer an AI verification system to enforce the Biological Weapons Convention, while the UN has launched an independent international scientific panel to evaluate AI's abilities, risks, and pathways forward.
