Governments enacting new and updated regulations will be one of the top trends in AI for the next year, finds GlobalData. However, according to the leading data and analytics company, AI regulations will remain feeble without a unified global vision.

The lack of unified global AI regulation will allow Big Tech to continue influencing AI policies in its favor

There is no unified vision for regulation of AI models, with approaches differing by country: tech-industry-led efforts for the US, government-first for China, and privacy and regulation-driven for the EU. While a unified global vision of AI regulation would improve safety, privacy, transparency, and accuracy, not only will differing national approaches prevent it, but Big Tech has the power to shape its deployment. It will continue to lobby the US government to influence AI policies in its favor, arguing that regulation can hamper innovation.

Martina Raveni, Thematic Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “More governments will enact AI regulations seeking higher technical and ethical standards, using machine learning (ML) techniques supporting data privacy and access rights like federated learning. As more data and AI regulation is implemented globally, algorithms will come under increasing scrutiny over inaccuracies. For example, the EU has proposed a rigorous legislative framework for AI to reduce algorithmic bias and create a safer digital space.”

The urgent need for transparency will lead to a growing emphasis on explainable AI (XAI)

As AI touches more areas of life, the inability to see and explain the decision-making processes of AI systems is eroding public confidence in this technology. Deploying XAI, a set of tools and frameworks that help to develop interpretable and inclusive AI models, will go some way to restoring that confidence.

Raveni adds: “Companies will invest more in XAI practices, like automated machine learning (AutoML) and synthetic data training, to automate time-consuming iterative tasks and circumvent the data problem using artificially created data. Likewise, Responsible AI (RAI) programs, encompassing compliance with governance and explainability, will be part of leading AI adopters’ executive agenda.”

AI chips will be a key battleground in the US-China tech war

AI chips are becoming one of the top technologies leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Indeed, complex machine learning algorithms require significant computational power and rely on AI-optimized chips to crunch big data rapidly, allowing us to enjoy cutting-edge devices.

Raveni notes: “We believe this technology will be a key battleground in the US-China trade dispute. China has invested heavily in the semiconductor industry and aims to become the world leader in AI by 2030, but it will continue to be constrained by US sanctions.

“The US will keep investing in its domestic manufacturing capabilities to reach leadership in the semiconductor supply chain. TSMC’s plan for a second fabrication facility in Arizona to develop 3-nanometer chips is a notable example. Unable to access AI chips and advanced tools to manufacture them, China is unlikely to catch up with the US, South Korea, and Taiwan in chip technology for another decade.”

Information based on GlobalData’s latest report: Thematic Intelligence: Tech, Media, & Telecom Predictions 2023