VP JD Vance Warns Heavy AI Regulation Could Kill Innovation, Vows U.S. Will Protect Free Speech at Paris Summit

At the Paris AI Action Summit on Tuesday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned that "excessive regulation" could stifle the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) industry, directly challenging European initiatives aimed at mitigating AI risks. This stance highlights a growing global divide over AI governance.

He cautioned that excessive regulation could hinder this technological revolution, stating, "It will never come to pass if overregulation deters innovators from taking the risks necessary to advance the ball." He also criticized content moderation practices, labeling them as "authoritarian censorship."

"We believe that excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry," Vance said, according to Reuters.

U.S. Advocates for Minimal AI Regulation

The United States, under President Donald Trump, advocates for minimal regulatory intervention to foster innovation. In contrast, Europe is implementing stringent regulations, such as the AI Act, to ensure safety and accountability. Meanwhile, China is rapidly advancing its AI capabilities through state-backed enterprises, striving for global leadership.

In his inaugural major policy address since assuming the vice presidency last month, Vance highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal economic force, comparing its potential impact to that of the steam engine.

"But it will never come to pass if overregulation deters innovators from taking the risks necessary to advance the ball," Vance added.

Vance emphasized that the administration would "ensure that AI systems developed in America are free from ideological bias." He pledged that the U.S. would "never restrict our citizens' right to free speech."

"AI, we believe, is going to make us more productive, more prosperous, and more free," Vance said as he spoke at a summit of CEOs and heads of state in Paris.

AP News reported that the Vice President is in attendance at the Paris AI summit and an upcoming security conference in Munich to showcase the Trump administration's assertive diplomatic approach.

Global Divide in AI Governance

Notably, the U.S. and the U.K. abstained from signing the summit's final declaration on "Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence," without providing specific reasons for their decision.

The international declaration is endorsed by over 60 nations, including China, which commits to promoting responsible AI development. This move underscores the Trump administration's reluctance to align with global regulatory efforts.

Vance emphasized AI's transformative economic potential, likening it to the advent of the steam engine. He warned that overregulation could deter innovators from pursuing necessary advancements.

The U.S. Vice President also criticized European measures like the Digital Services Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), arguing that they impose burdensome compliance costs on smaller firms.

European Leaders Defend Regulatory Approach

To defend their regulatory frameworks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for AI to be trustworthy and safe, acknowledging concerns over regulatory burdens but affirming the importance of standards to ensure public confidence.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a balanced approach, proposing regulations that protect citizens without hindering innovation.

The summit highlighted the escalating global competition in AI development, with the U.S. promoting a free-market approach, Europe seeking standardized regulations, and China expanding through state-backed initiatives. This divergence reflects differing philosophies on balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.