Paris AI Action Summit 2025: A Strategic Power Play by Big Tech

Paris, France: The AI Summit 2025 has raised critical questions about the future of artificial intelligence, its regulation, and the influence of Big Tech in shaping global AI policies. While the summit was framed as a platform for ensuring AI safety and ethical advancements, it appeared to serve as a strategic maneuver by corporations like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI to consolidate their control over the AI industry.

PM Modi’s Stand on AI and the Power Struggle at the Summit 

Contrary to expectations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not remain a silent observer at the summit. In fact, in his recent speech, he actively spoke about India’s AI ambitions, emphasizing the need for inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI development. His address highlighted India’s commitment to leveraging AI for societal benefits while advocating for global cooperation that does not serve the interests of just a few dominant corporations. 

However, despite India’s growing influence in AI research and development, the summit’s agenda seemed heavily controlled by major Western tech giants, with discussions largely revolving around regulatory frameworks designed to protect their market dominance. This raises concerns about whether AI policymaking is being shaped by corporate interests rather than global consensus. 

The Hidden Agenda Behind AI Regulations 

Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s remarks at the summit highlight the growing efforts by Big Tech to influence AI regulation in ways that benefit them while stifling competition. While AI regulations are necessary for ensuring safety, these discussions are increasingly being steered by the same companies that dominate AI research and commercialization. This creates a situation where: 

AI startups and independent researchers face regulatory barriers that increase compliance costs, making it difficult to compete with companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Big Tech’s control over AI governance ensures that emerging players, including nations investing in AI development, have limited influence over the direction of AI policies. 

The AI talent exodus from Google—where leading AI researchers left due to restrictions imposed by the Google — ironically led to the rise of competing AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic. Now, the same Big Tech corporations seek to regulate and control the very ecosystem they once suppressed. 

The Monopoly Over AI’s Future 

This summit marks a significant step toward consolidating AI power into the hands of a few corporations, under the guise of ethics, safety, and responsible development. However, the real impact may be: 

Regulations becoming tools for market dominance, making it difficult for non-Western nations and independent AI developers to compete. 

Open-source and decentralized AI innovation being curbed, reducing the potential for AI-driven solutions that serve broader societal needs. 

Governments being forced into reliance on Big Tech companies for AI policies, rather than developing independent AI governance strategies.

A Call for a Balanced AI Future 

The AI Summit 2025 serves as a wake-up call for nations, independent AI researchers, and startups. While regulation is essential, it must not be dictated solely by corporate giants with vested interests. A more inclusive, diverse, and open AI ecosystem is necessary to ensure that AI innovation benefits society as a whole rather than being monopolized by a few. 

PM Modi’s emphasis on India’s AI potential is a reminder that AI governance should be shaped by a global, collaborative effort rather than being dominated by a handful of corporations. India, along with other emerging AI powerhouses, must continue to push for equitable AI policies—ensuring that AI’s future remains transparent, competitive, and accessible to all. 

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, individuals can anticipate both opportunities and challenges. AI has the potential to enhance daily life through improved healthcare diagnostics, personalized education, and more efficient public services. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant about issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the concentration of power among a few corporations. Engaging in informed discussions and advocating for transparent, inclusive AI policies will help ensure that AI developments serve the broader public interest. 

Srinivasa Manapragada
Special News Correspondent – Political & Legal 
United States Press Agency (USPA)