2026: The Year of Global AI Safety and Regulation

As the world steps into 2026, the spotlight is firmly on artificial intelligence (AI), with a growing consensus that this year must mark a turning point for global AI safety and regulation. While advancements in AI continue to accelerate, the need for transparent, universally accepted safety standards has never been greater. This urgency is driven by the rapid proliferation of AI technologies, which are increasingly integral to sectors such as energy, food production, pharmaceuticals, and communications. However, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented, with significant disparities between regions and income levels.

Over the past two years, AI legislation has seen the most activity in East Asia, the Pacific region, Europe, and individual U.S. states. In 2024 alone, U.S. states collectively passed 82 AI-related bills. Yet, this progress is uneven. Low- and lower-middle-income countries have seen relatively little regulatory movement, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government has taken a step back, canceling AI policy initiatives and challenging state-level laws, despite being one of the largest markets for AI technologies.

This regulatory vacuum is unsustainable. AI technologies, developed largely by U.S. companies, are used globally, making universal regulation a necessity. The absence of comprehensive AI laws poses risks not only to consumers but also to the companies themselves, as inconsistent standards hinder long-term planning and innovation. As AI continues to reshape the global economy, the stakes for getting regulation right have never been higher.

The Urgency of Global AI Regulation

The push for global AI regulation is not just about mitigating risks; it is also about ensuring that AI’s transformative potential is harnessed responsibly. According to UNCTAD, by the end of 2023, two-thirds of high-income countries and 30% of middle-income countries had AI policies in place. However, only about 10% of the lowest-income countries had taken similar steps. This disparity highlights the need for international cooperation to support lower-income nations in developing robust AI regulatory frameworks.

China has emerged as a leader in AI governance, with authorities prioritizing transparency and accountability. The European Union’s AI Act, set to take effect in August, is another significant step forward. Similarly, the African Union published continent-wide AI policymaking guidance in 2024, and there are moves to establish a global AI cooperation body, potentially under the United Nations.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition that AI regulation is not just a national issue but a global one. Companies developing AI technologies must be held to consistent standards, ensuring that their products are safe, transparent, and legally compliant. This includes providing detailed information about the data used to train models and respecting copyright laws during the training process.

The Role of the United States in AI Regulation

The United States’ approach to AI regulation has been a source of concern. Under the current administration, the federal government has rolled back AI policy work, including canceling a program initiated by the previous administration to develop AI standards with technology companies. This deregulatory stance has been met with mixed reactions from the tech industry. While some companies support the reduced oversight, others recognize that consistent regulation is essential for long-term stability and public trust.

The U.S. government’s position is at odds with the growing global consensus on the need for robust AI regulation. Officials within regulatory agencies have expressed concerns about the risks of unregulated AI, particularly in light of public anxiety over the technology’s potential to cause harm. The AI research community has also raised alarms, with some pioneers warning of existential risks if AI development is not properly controlled.

The U.S. risks falling behind in the AI race if it does not align with global regulatory efforts. China, for instance, is already exploring alternative paths to AI innovation, with companies creating open and transparent products in line with national regulations. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. approach, which prioritizes minimal oversight and has led to public mistrust.

As AI continues to advance, the need for coherent, globally aligned regulation becomes increasingly clear. The year 2026 must be the year when nations come together to establish universal AI safety standards, ensuring that this transformative technology benefits all of humanity while minimizing its risks.