US, China, EU: three paths to regulating AI

The US strategy under President Trump's second term has largely relied on voluntary industry pledges and executive orders, aiming to fuel an AI boom. This includes an "AI Action Plan" with over 90 measures to accelerate development and an order requiring federal agencies to procure only "ideologically neutral" models. While federal lawmaking has been stalled, state-level AI laws are taking effect across the nation, despite the administration's efforts to block them.

China has established a detailed and evolving set of AI regulations, including rules for companion bots to curb emotional dependency and prevent digital cloning without consent. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have both emphasized the necessity of human control over AI and the urgent need for more laws, technological monitoring, and emergency response systems. However, some Chinese analysts suggest that calls to slow AI progress are hard to justify, particularly given their perception that US export controls have already constrained China's AI development for years.

The European Union adopted its AI Act in 2024, which it presents as the world's most comprehensive rules for the technology. European companies, initially concerned that these regulations might hinder innovation in their race to compete with US and Chinese rivals, later secured a delay for rules pertaining to high-risk systems. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stated that the AI rules position Europe to shape global efforts, though European firms remain cautious about proposals to slow development, fearing it could entrench the dominance of US giants.