JD Vance, vice president of the United States, has warned that Europe’s regulatory approach to artificial intelligence (AI) could leave the continent trailing behind in the AI revolution.
Speaking at the AI Summit in Paris on Tuesday, Vance criticised the European Union’s (EU) risk-averse stance, arguing that excessive regulation could “paralyse one of the most promising technologies of our time”.
“It would mean paralysing one of the most promising technologies we have seen in generations,” he said.
“We believe that excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off, and we’ll make every effort to encourage pro-growth AI policies.”
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His remarks come in response to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, passed in 2024.
The law categorises AI systems based on risk levels, imposing strict regulations on high-risk applications while banning those deemed too dangerous, however, lower-risk AI tools face minimal oversight.
US tech giants, including Google and Meta, have slammed the legislation.
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Joel Kaplan, Meta’s top lobbyist, described it as “unworkable and technically unfeasible”.
Vance also warned against what he described as Europe’s attempt to target American tech firms with tighter restrictions.
“America cannot and will not accept that,” he added.
The vice president’s comments contrast sharply with the Biden administration’s earlier push for stricter AI regulations.
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Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has reversed Biden-era AI policies, opting for a pro-growth approach to AI development.
As part of the shift, Trump launched the Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative aimed at strengthening US AI infrastructure and securing global leadership in the field.
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