UK and US refuse to sign international AI declaration

The UK and US have not signed an international agreement on artificial intelligence (AI) at a global summit in Paris.

The statement, signed by France, China and India among other countries, pledges an "open", "inclusive" and "ethical" approach to the technology's development.

Discussions at the AI Action Summit in Paris have focused on the impact of AI on society and the environment - and what action is needed to capture its benefits and prevent its risks.

The US and UK have not explained their reasons for not being signatories.

But earlier US Vice President JD Vance told delegates in Paris that too much regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) could "kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off".

Vance told world leaders gathered at the Summit in Paris on Tuesday that AI was "an opportunity that the Trump administration will not squander" and said "pro-growth AI policies" should be prioritised over safety.

He said that this would require regulation which fosters AI development, "rather than strangles it".

Vance added that leaders in Europe should especially "look to this new frontier with optimism, rather than trepidation".

It comes amid discussions at the Summit about the impact of AI development on society, the environment and governance.

Policy-makers, executives and diplomats at the Paris summit have been mulling ways to capture the economic benefits of AI innovation, while addressing the technology's risks.

It was kicked off by French President Emmanuel Macron posting a compilation of jokey deepfake clips of himself in popular films and TV series on social media.

"This summit is focused on action, and that is exactly what we need right now," said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday.

She said Europe's approach to AI, which has been championed throughout the summit, will also emphasise innovation, collaboration and "embrace the power of open source" technology.