Michelle ThompsonThe United States is concerned that strict regulations could stifle the artificial intelligence industry, US Vice President JD Vance stated on Tuesday, bringing Donald Trump’s opposition to AI restrictions to an international audience.
Speaking at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, Vance warned global leaders and business executives that excessive oversight could hinder the growth of a transformative industry. “We believe that overregulation of AI could stifle its development just as it is gaining momentum,” he said. “I hope this conference incorporates a deregulatory approach into its discussions.”
His remarks followed Trump’s recent repeal of an executive order issued by former President Joe Biden, which aimed to address AI-related national security threats and prevent discriminatory outcomes from AI systems.
Vance shifted the focus away from regulatory concerns, stating, “I’m not here to discuss AI safety. I’m here to talk about AI’s potential.”
While he emphasized AI’s benefits, many experts argue that its risks require regulation. AI’s ability to generate realistic images, audio, and video could be exploited to create false statements or manipulate elections. Additionally, AI-generated deepfake content could be used to produce misleading or harmful material.
More severe risks include AI systems providing detailed guidance on criminal activities or developing capabilities that escape human control.
Autonomous AI-powered weapons could also pose a threat, according to Manoj Chaudhary, chief technology officer at US software firm Jitterbit, who warned about such dangers in an interview with CNN last November.
A March report commissioned by the US State Department highlighted AI’s potential national security threats, urging urgent regulatory measures alongside other safeguards to prevent catastrophic consequences.
‘Lightning in a bottle’
Vance emphasized that the US administration’s pro-innovation stance on AI does not mean disregarding safety concerns.
“But focus is key,” he stated. “Right now, we must seize the opportunity to harness AI’s potential, empower our brightest minds, and confidently use this technology to enhance the well-being of our nations. The Trump administration will not let this opportunity go to waste.”
One strategy to achieve this, he noted, is integrating AI education into US schools. Students will be taught how to manage, supervise, and interact with AI-powered tools as they become more prevalent in daily life. “AI will enhance productivity,” Vance said. “It’s not going to replace human workers.”
He cautioned against restrictive regulations that could stifle AI’s growth and urged Europe, in particular, to take a more optimistic approach.
The European Union has introduced a comprehensive AI law that bans certain applications deemed “unacceptable” and enforces strict rules on “high-risk” uses. For example, the EU AI Act prohibits biometric tools that attempt to determine a person’s race, political views, or sexual orientation.
Vance also referenced key priorities of Trump’s administration, emphasizing that to maintain America’s competitive edge, the US will ensure its most advanced AI systems are developed domestically using American-designed and manufactured chips.
Additionally, he stressed that AI systems built in the US will remain free from “ideological bias” and will never be used to limit citizens’ freedom of speech.
