U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a sweeping keynote at the Paris AI Action Summit

U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a sweeping keynote at the Paris AI Action Summit in which he laid out an “America First” vision for the future of artificial intelligence. His speech marked a clear departure from previous summits that focused primarily on AI safety, instead emphasizing the transformative economic and societal opportunities AI can unlock. Here are the main points he addressed:

1. Focus on Opportunity Over Safety
   Vance stated, “I'm not here this morning to talk about AI safety... I'm here to talk about AI opportunity.” He argued that while safety concerns are important, overemphasis on regulation could stifle innovation and prevent the realization of AI’s vast potential. In his view, the U.S. must lead by example—fostering an environment where risk-taking drives the next industrial revolution

2. Criticism of Excessive Regulation
   A central theme in his address was the warning against what he described as “excessive regulation” of the AI sector. Vance condemned European regulatory measures—including the EU’s Digital Services Act and GDPR—for imposing burdensome compliance costs that, he warned, could “kill a transformative industry.” He contended that such rules not only hinder innovation but also could force smaller companies to either block foreign users or exit markets entirely.

3. Defending Free Speech and Preventing Censorship
   Vance stressed that American AI should remain free from ideological bias. He emphasized that his administration would ensure that U.S. AI systems would never be turned into tools for “authoritarian censorship” and that the right to free speech would be fiercely protected. This stance was part of his broader argument against what he sees as the overreach of regulatory frameworks that could curtail the free exchange of ideas.

4. Maintaining U.S. Leadership in AI and Technology
   He declared that the United States is the global leader in AI and that his administration is committed to preserving that position. Vance underscored plans to support domestic innovation—such as ensuring that AI chips and systems are designed and manufactured in the U.S.—to keep America at the technological forefront. His comments echoed a broader “America First” policy that favors deregulation to boost competitiveness and economic growth.

5. Global Competitive Stance and Caution Against Authoritarian Models
   Vance contrasted the American approach with the strategies pursued by Europe and China. While European nations are moving toward tighter, more precautionary regulations and China is expanding AI through state-backed entities, Vance warned that partnering with authoritarian regimes can come at a high cost. He cautioned that excessive control or “tightening the screws” on U.S. tech companies by foreign governments would be unacceptable, asserting that “if you aren't paying for the product, you are the product.”

6. Call for International Regulatory Regimes That Foster Innovation
   Finally, Vance urged international partners to adopt regulatory regimes that foster the creation and growth of AI rather than strangle it. He called on European nations, in particular, to look at AI with optimism rather than trepidation and to align their policies with the goal of accelerating technological progress rather than inhibiting it.

In summary, Vice President Vance’s address at the AI Summit in Paris was a robust defense of a deregulatory, innovation-driven U.S. approach to AI development. He warned that heavy-handed regulation could derail the next wave of transformative technology, insisted on protecting free speech, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to remaining the world leader in AI, all while critiquing European and authoritarian models of governance.