Why It’s So Hard to Regulate AI
The world may need new rulebooks for the rapidly evolving technology.
It has always been difficult for the world to regulate technology—especially technology that moves fast. But, as FP’s Rishi Iyengar wrote in May, artificial intelligence, “with its immense potential to transform economies and societies—not necessarily for the better—presents an unprecedented challenge.”
It has always been difficult for the world to regulate technology—especially technology that moves fast. But, as FP’s Rishi Iyengar wrote in May, artificial intelligence, “with its immense potential to transform economies and societies—not necessarily for the better—presents an unprecedented challenge.”
This edition of Flash Points examines how global powers are approaching that challenge. The essays below consider what AI governance should look like, how it might affect democracy, and the potential pitfalls of conventional approaches to regulation.
People look at Pangu AI weather models during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China, on July 7.Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images
What the U.S. Can Learn From China About Regulating AI
Over the past two years, China has enacted some of the world’s earliest and most sophisticated rules for AI, Matt Sheehan writes.
Matt Chase illustration for Foreign Policy
The AI Regulation Paradox
Regulating artificial intelligence to protect U.S. democracy could end up jeopardizing democracy abroad, Bhaskar Chakravorti writes.
U.S. President Joe Biden takes part in an event discussing the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in San Francisco on June 20. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
The Global Race to Regulate AI
The intelligence may be artificial, but the regulation is real—or might be, FP’s Rishi Iyengar reports.
An attendee tries out a virtual-reality Meta Oculus Quest 2 headset during the Mobile World Congress, focused on artificial intelligence and other technology, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 3, 2022. Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Europe’s Tech Curbs Are a Double-Edged Sword
The continent’s eagerness to regulate global tech companies could backfire on its own, Jeremiah Johnson writes.
Then-OpenAI CEO Sam Altman greets committee chairman Sen. Richard Blumenthal on arriving for testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 16.Win McNamee/Getty Images
Build AI by the People, for the People
Washington needs to take AI investment out of the hands of private companies, Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sanders write.
Chloe Hadavas is an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @Hadavas
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
Join the Conversation
Commenting on this and other recent articles is just one benefit of a Foreign Policy subscription.
Already a subscriber? .
Subscribe Subscribe
View Comments
Join the Conversation
Join the conversation on this and other recent Foreign Policy articles when you subscribe now.
Subscribe Subscribe
Not your account?
View Comments
Join the Conversation
Please follow our comment guidelines, stay on topic, and be civil, courteous, and respectful of others’ beliefs.