EU tech chief backs global AI rules in wake of extinction warning

In Dublin, the European Union's top technology official has called for global artificial intelligence rules, following a viral warning from a former Anthropic engineer that AI could lead to humanity's extinction. European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen emphasized the importance of international cooperation during a conference on online safety for children in Dublin.

The EU already has a law that requires companies like Anthropic and OpenAI to evaluate and minimize the risk of losing control over AI models, but such regulations are not present globally, as Virkkunen pointed out. The bloc has consistently advocated for global cooperation on AI risks and at the G7 in France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for collaboration between Europe and the U.S. based on their complementary strengths, shared security interests, and shared responsibility in leading.

German Digital Affairs Minister Karsten Wildberger also suggested an international AI safety body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The EU is currently waiting to see how the AI arms race is discussed at the upcoming September meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, given both nations' dominant positions in AI.

U.S. Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder stated his support for the EU partnering with the United States in AI, but cautioned that they would not allow U.S. platforms and companies to be overly regulated, hindering their ability to compete against China. The EU is under pressure from the European Parliament and national capitals to pursue global cooperation, with Irish conservative European Parliament lawmaker Regina Doherty asking the Commission to develop an international protocol for responding to incidents involving advanced AI systems and to place this issue on the agendas of the G7, G20, and OECD.