As artificial intelligence continues its rapid evolution, 2026 stands poised to become a watershed year for global technology governance and safety standards.

The landscape of AI regulation has been dramatically shifting, with at least 30 AI-related laws passed worldwide in 2023 and an additional 40 in 2024, according to the Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Index Report. East Asia, the Pacific region, Europe, and individual US states have been particularly active, with US states alone passing 82 AI-related bills in 2024.

However, a significant disparity remains in AI policy development. While two-thirds of high-income countries and 30% of middle-income countries had AI strategies by late 2023, fewer than 10% of lowest-income nations had comparable frameworks. This digital divide underscores the urgent need for comprehensive international support to help developing countries craft meaningful AI regulations.

The global consensus is increasingly clear: AI technologies must be subject to rigorous safety and transparency standards. Just as we regulate technologies in energy, pharmaceuticals, and communications, AI demands robust oversight. Countries like China and European Union members are leading this charge, with the EU's AI Act expected to implement most of its provisions in August 2024.

The African Union has also made significant strides, publishing continent-wide guidance for AI policymaking. Simultaneously, discussions are emerging about establishing a global cooperation organization, potentially under United Nations auspices, to create unified standards for AI development and deployment.

Critical focus areas include banning deceptive technologies like deepfake videos, mandating transparency about training data, and ensuring copyright respect during model development. AI companies must provide clear explanations of their technologies' functionality, demonstrate legal production methods, and establish accountability mechanisms for potential risks and harm.

The United States presents a unique challenge in this global regulatory landscape. Recent actions, including President Trump's cancellation of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI standards program and an executive order preventing conflicting state laws, have complicated national AI governance efforts. This stance contrasts sharply with growing international momentum toward comprehensive AI safety frameworks.

As we look toward 2026, the message is clear: collaborative, transparent, and responsible AI development is not just an option—it's a global imperative. By working together across national boundaries, we can harness artificial intelligence's transformative potential while mitigating its risks.