U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has been vocal in his criticism of the European Union’s stringent artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, arguing that they could stifle innovation and burden smaller companies with excessive compliance costs. Speaking at the AI Action Summit in Paris, Vance emphasized a deregulatory approach, positioning the U.S. as a leader in AI development while rejecting the EU’s frameworks like the Digital Services Act, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the AI Act. He warned that such regulations could hinder transformative advancements in AI and expressed concerns about their impact on free speech and innovation.
Ironically, while Vance critiques Europe’s regulatory stance, numerous U.S. states are advancing legislation to address algorithmic discrimination and ensure fairness in AI systems—efforts that bear similarities to aspects of the EU’s AI Act. For instance:
- Colorado passed a pioneering law in 2024 requiring developers and deployers of high-risk AI systems to assess and mitigate risks of algorithmic discrimination, disclose potential biases, and implement risk management policies.
- California, Illinois, and several other states are also pursuing or have enacted laws targeting algorithmic bias in employment, housing, and other sectors. These laws often mandate transparency, bias audits, and accountability measures for AI systems used in consequential decision-making.
- In 2025 alone, over a dozen states are considering similar bills aimed at curbing AI-enabled discrimination, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over fairness and accountability in AI technologies.
The U.S.’s fragmented state-level approach contrasts with Europe’s centralized regulatory framework but signals a shared recognition of the need to address risks associated with AI. Despite Vance’s resistance to federal regulation, these state initiatives suggest a broader trend toward ensuring ethical AI use—a move that aligns with some principles of the EU’s regulatory efforts. This dynamic highlights a complex interplay between fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential harms of unregulated AI deployment.