Why the UK and US Rejected a Global AI Agreement – What’s Behind the Decision?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the center of a heated global debate. While countries around the world are working together to regulate AI development, the UK and the US have decided to step back from signing an international AI agreement at a major summit in Paris.

This move has raised many questions—why did these two powerful nations refuse to sign? What does this agreement aim to achieve? And what could this mean for the future of AI innovation, security, and regulation? Let’s dive into the details.

UK and US Say “No” to Global AI Agreement

At the Paris AI Action Summit, dozens of countries, including France, China, and India, agreed to a shared vision for AI. The agreement focused on making AI open, ethical, and inclusive, ensuring that technology is developed in a responsible and transparent way.

However, the UK and the US refused to sign the agreement, citing concerns over national security and global governance.

The UK government released a short statement explaining that, while they agreed with parts of the agreement, they felt it lacked clear guidelines on global AI governance and national security risks.

Meanwhile, in the US, Vice President JD Vance argued that too many restrictions could stifle innovation and economic growth. He made it clear that the Trump administration is prioritizing “pro-growth AI policies” over stricter safety measures.

This position contrasts sharply with that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized the need for clear AI regulations to ensure responsible development. Macron warned that without proper safeguards, AI could become dangerous or used unethically.

So, while many nations are pushing for tighter AI rules, the US and UK appear to be taking a more cautious and independent approach—one that leans toward economic growth and technological leadership rather than strict regulation.

Why Didn’t the UK Sign? The Debate Over AI’s Future

The UK has been a major voice in AI safety and ethics, especially under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who hosted the world’s first AI Safety Summit in November 2023.

However, by refusing to sign the Paris agreement, some experts believe the UK is now contradicting its previous commitments to AI safety.

Andrew Dudfield, head of AI at the fact-checking organization Full Fact, warned that this decision could damage the UK’s reputation as a leader in ethical AI.

“By refusing to sign today’s international AI Action Statement, the UK government risks undercutting its hard-won credibility as a world leader for safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI innovation,” he said.

But not everyone sees this as a bad move.

The UK Artificial Intelligence (UKAI) trade body—representing businesses in the AI sector—supported the decision, arguing that AI development must be balanced with economic and energy concerns.

Tim Flagg, UKAI’s chief executive, said that while environmental responsibility is important, AI’s growing energy demands cannot be ignored.

“We welcome the government’s refusal to sign this statement as a sign that it is considering more practical solutions,” Flagg added.

This highlights the ongoing tension between regulation and innovation. Should AI policies prioritize safety, or should they allow businesses to push the boundaries of technology without excessive interference?

What Was in the Agreement?

The Paris AI Action Statement—signed by 60 countries—outlined a few key priorities:

Bridging the digital divide – ensuring AI is accessible to all nations, not just wealthy ones.
Transparency and safety – making sure AI is developed in an ethical and responsible way.
Energy sustainability – addressing AI’s growing electricity consumption, which could match that of small countries in the coming years.

These goals seem fairly straightforward and positive, so why did the UK and US reject it?

Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, pointed out that it’s unclear what exactly the UK disagrees with.

“Looking at the summit declaration, it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly in that statement the government disagrees with,” he said.

A UK government spokesperson later clarified their stance, saying that while they agreed with much of the declaration, they felt it did not provide enough clarity on governance and national security issues.

Interestingly, the UK did sign other AI-related agreements at the summit, including ones focused on cybersecurity and sustainability. This suggests the UK is not rejecting AI cooperation entirely, but rather wants more control over its policies instead of following a broad international framework.

The Bigger Picture – AI, Politics, and Global Tensions

The AI summit in Paris wasn’t just about technology—it was also shaped by global politics and economic rivalries.

The US and Europe are currently experiencing growing trade tensions, with the Trump administration recently imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This has created a complex situation where the UK is trying to balance relations with both the US and the European Union.

Meanwhile, the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has been pushing for a strong regulatory framework for AI.

“This summit is focused on action, and that is exactly what we need right now,” von der Leyen stated.

Europe’s approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and open-source technology, while the US and UK are leaning towards a more flexible, business-friendly AI strategy.

This divide raises an important question: Will AI be regulated globally, or will different regions create their own competing policies?

Right now, it looks like the world is heading toward fragmented AI governance, with different countries taking different approaches to balancing growth, safety, and security.

What’s Next for AI Regulation?

So, where does this leave us?

The UK and US are prioritizing AI innovation and economic growth, rather than signing broad global agreements.
Other major players like the EU and France are pushing for stricter AI regulations to prevent misuse and ensure responsible development.
China and India have signed the Paris agreement, signaling their willingness to participate in global AI governance—though how they implement these principles remains to be seen.

As AI continues to evolve, the debate over how to regulate it while still encouraging innovation will only grow more intense.

Will the UK and US eventually join international AI agreements, or will they continue to chart their own path?

One thing is clear: the future of AI is still being written, and every decision made today will shape how this technology impacts our world in the years to come.