Global AI policies and international business

How best to make sure that AI systems used in business and society are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory, and environmentally compatible is rapidly becoming a public policy priority. The European Union’s Parliament, for example, has tried to establish a technology-neutral, uniform definition for AI that could be applied to future AI systems. The institution defines AI as “the ability of a machine to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning and creativity.” Tensions exist between those who are involved in regulating AI, governments and large technology firms, and the design of AI policies to ensure a balance between safe and responsible AI and international competitiveness. In this chapter we present a snapshot of the current AI policies and frameworks from the pivotal actors in AI governance. We also discuss the role of corporate actors in influencing AI regulation and how global AI policies impact international business and innovation. Of particular importance is to ask, Qui bono? – who benefits? – and whether AI risks entrenching economic inequality and exacerbating structural injustice between societal groups and power imbalances between the Global North and the Global South, potentially amplifying the risks and harms, and reducing the benefits of AI for the latter. We argue that AI regulation is further complicated by the fact that AI policies not only reflect national priorities but also mirror the deeply engrained cultural values of the society in which they are developed. Finally, we propose several solutions for the responsible development of AI regulation that balances AI’s potential with protecting global societal welfare.