U.S. vows to protect AI technologies against authoritarian threats

On February 11, 2025, Vice President JD Vance delivered a significant address at the AI Action Summit held in Paris, France. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding American artificial intelligence and chip technologies from both domestic misuse and foreign theft. Vance highlighted that authoritarian regimes, particularly those involved in military and surveillance activities, are increasingly misusing AI to undermine national security. He did not mention the name of a specific competitor but pointedly referenced China's DeepSeek technology, which has recently been touted for its low-cost alternatives to leading AI models. Vance expressed a strong commitment to blocking attempts by such regimes to weaponize AI. He called for working with allies to create robust international protections against unauthorized access to AI capabilities that threaten democratic nations and their citizens. Vance's assertions reflect growing concerns about the control of AI technologies and the potential military applications that hostile nations could develop if left unchecked. The Vice President's criticism extended to Europe, where he argued that an excessive focus on regulation could stifle AI innovation. He pointed out that regulations imposed by the European Union, which have recently become enforceable, may hinder technological advancement instead of encouraging it. He urged European allies to adopt a more optimistic approach towards AI to foster partnership opportunities in this growing field. In conclusion, Vance's remarks highlight the significant geopolitical implications surrounding advancements in AI technology, and he stressed the need for trust-building measures that would facilitate open collaboration while ensuring national and global security. This message serves as both a warning and a call for action to maintain the U.S.'s leading position in AI against the backdrop of escalating competition with authoritarian regimes.