US Senate AI Spending Surges, But Regulation Lags Behind: Contrasting Approaches with Europe’s AI Act

The US Senate has recently announced a significant increase in spending on artificial intelligence, totaling $32 billion in public funds. However, this move has raised concerns as it lacks concrete regulation, unlike the European Union’s proactive approach with its binding AI Act. The transatlantic cooperation on AI policy seems to be missing, highlighting the deep divide between the US and EU tech policy strategies.

The bipartisan Senate AI Work Group, also known as the AI Gang, has been working tirelessly on developing recommendations for US AI policy. While large AI firms are pleased with the focus on funding, consumer groups and others are disappointed by the absence of regulatory measures. The EU’s AI Act, on the other hand, includes bans on certain AI applications, setting a different tone for tech policy in Europe.

The contrasting approaches of the US and EU towards AI policy highlight the need for mutual learning. While the US is prioritizing funding for AI research and development, the EU is setting global regulatory standards with its AI Act. The EU’s success in writing tech rules, such as the GDPR privacy law, has been acknowledged globally, including in the US.

Despite the US government’s efforts in launching antitrust lawsuits and executive orders related to AI safety, a comprehensive regulatory framework is still lacking. The Senate AI Gang’s roadmap emphasizes the need for concrete legislation, but the current political climate in Washington poses challenges for passing laws.

Both the US and EU have their strengths and weaknesses in AI policy, but there is a clear opportunity for transatlantic cooperation to fill the leadership vacuum in AI regulation. As China continues to invest heavily in AI, the US and EU must work together to ensure they remain competitive in the global AI landscape.