Who Regulates AI? The Global Governance Gap

Published on Friday, May 09, 2025

Introduction: AI Boom – But Where Are the Rules?

Everything from Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare to warfare is changing, yet one important question remains: Who is regulating AI? Despite its global effect, the regulation of AI remains scattered, inconsistent, and dangerously behind the curve. As AI systems become more powerful, their ability to manipulate, discriminate, and even harm—whether intentionally or not—immediately raises questions about accountability, oversight, and global rules.

Why AI Requires Regulation

AI is not just another technique—it is an evolving system capable of learning, adapting, and making decisions. Without proper oversight and balance, AI can:

• Amplify bias and discrimination
• Threaten privacy and civil liberties
• Make autonomous decisions in high-risk domains like healthcare, finance, and defense
• Spread misinformation through deepfakes and language models

If left uncontrolled, AI can cause more problems than it solves—especially in societies that lack strong legal and ethical frameworks.

Current Status of AI Governance: A Fragmented Landscape

United States

• AI regulation is industry-led and fragmented.
• The White House’s AI Bill of Rights serves as guidance, not law.
• Tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Meta influence direction more than lawmakers.

European Union

• The EU AI Act is the most comprehensive legislation proposed so far.
• It classifies AI by risk: unacceptable, high-risk, limited-risk, and minimal-risk.
• Strong focus on data transparency, bias mitigation, and human oversight.

China

• AI is tightly controlled under the Cybersecurity Law and Algorithm Regulation Guidelines.
• Priorities include national security, social stability, and censorship.
• AI is both a strategic tool and a regulated weapon.

India & Developing Nations

• Lack a comprehensive national AI policy or enforcement structure.
• While adoption is rising, regulation is minimal or non-existent.
• Mostly rely on international guidelines and company policies.

Why Global Regulation Is Failing

Despite AI's global implications, there is no unified body overseeing its development. Major challenges include:

• National Interests First: Countries prioritize AI dominance over international cooperation.
• No Standard Definitions: Basic terms like “autonomous systems” differ across jurisdictions.
• Corporate Influence: Big Tech often shapes or bypasses regulations for profit.
• Slow Bureaucracy: Governments move slowly, while AI evolves rapidly.

Consequences of Inaction

• AI Arms Race: Nations could deploy AI in military and surveillance with little oversight.
• Algorithmic Injustice: Biased models may impact hiring, policing, and finance.
• Loss of Public Trust: Without ethics, AI may face rejection and public resistance.
• Digital Colonialism: Powerful AI-exporting countries could dominate weaker digital economies.

What Should a Global AI Framework Include?

To close the global governance gap, we need a shared regulatory framework with key pillars:

• Transparency: Open-source auditing tools and explainable models
• Accountability: Clear responsibility for AI outcomes, especially in high-risk cases
• Ethical Standards: Built-in fairness, privacy, and security measures
• Global Cooperation: A United Nations-led or G20-based AI regulatory alliance
• Adaptive Policies: Real-time policy updates to match evolving AI technologies

Conclusion: A Window of Opportunity

The world stands at a critical juncture. Either we build proactive, global frameworks to govern AI—or allow powerful corporations and geopolitical powers to shape our digital future unchecked. The gap is real, but not irreversible. AI governance must evolve as quickly as the technology it aims to regulate.