Critically Comparing Global AI Regulations

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations, addressing associated rights, limits of use, issues of bias, and accountability mechanisms have been introduced or adopted by numerous national, regional, and municipal governments. This paper comparatively examines global governance via regulatory documents from 64 countries, as well as the European Union and African Union. Leveraging mixed methods, we evaluate: changes in proposed AI regulation over time, topical and document similarities in policy priorities, hedging and uncertainty that may impact enforceability, and whose interests are reflected in policy parameters. Results indicate: regulatory capture by industry in North and South America; decolonial dissent in Africa against emerging global consensus; and rhetorical and substantive similarities across nations. In addition to providing practical policy recommendations, this research applies multi-modal governance conceptualizations to AI and presents a research agenda.