Global AI Divide Deepens

US and UK Break from Alliance as Paris Summit Exposes Rifts

Author

Mark Chepelyuk
February 12, 2025

The gloves are off in the global AI race. As 60 nations signed a historic AI safety pledge in Paris, the US and UK's dramatic refusal exposed deep fractures in the Western alliance - with billions in funding and technological dominance at stake.

Here’s what you need to know about AI today:

  • US and UK reject AI safety declaration

  • Perplexity launches ultra-fast Sonar model

  • YouTube expands AI tools for creators

  • Apple partners with Alibaba for China AI

  • Anthropic releases AI economics report

Today’s Deep Dive:

Image Source: Thomas Padilla/AP Photo

🌍 Global AI Alliance Fractures

US and UK decline to sign multinational AI safety declaration at Paris summit.

Key Details:

  • VP Vance warns against overregulation

  • EU announces €200B AI investment

  • 60 nations sign declaration

  • China joins signatory group

  • Anthropic CEO calls it "missed opportunity"

Why It Matters: The summit revealed a fundamental split in AI governance philosophy. As Europe pushes for ethical guidelines and massive investments, America's "hands-off" approach signals a new era of tech nationalism that could reshape global alliances.

Image source: Perplexity

⚡ Perplexity's Speed Revolution

New Sonar model delivers 1,200 tokens per second, outperforming top competitors.

Key Details:

  • Built on Llama 3.3 70B

  • 10x faster than Gemini 2.0 Flash

  • Matches or exceeds GPT-4 accuracy

  • Uses Cerebras infrastructure

  • Voice mode coming soon

Why It Matters: Perplexity's breakthrough shows that smaller companies can compete with tech giants by focusing on specific advantages. The speed achievement could change user expectations for AI response times.

Image Source: Youtube

🎥 YouTube's AI Evolution

Youtube launches major AI upgrades including automated dubbing and creator tools.

Key Details:

  • Auto-dubbing for all monetized creators

  • New AI age detection system

  • Dream Screen and Dream Track expansion

  • Enhanced content moderation

  • Integration with Google's Veo 2

Why It Matters: YouTube's comprehensive AI integration signals a shift toward AI-first content creation, potentially democratizing global reach for creators while addressing safety concerns.

Image Source: Apple

🇨🇳 Apple's China AI Strategy

Apple partners with Alibaba to bring AI features to Chinese iPhones after exploring deals with other tech giants.

Key Details:

  • Alibaba chosen over Baidu, Tencent, ByteDance

  • Submitted for regulatory approval

  • Response to declining market share

  • Follows Huawei's AI integration success

  • Stocks rise on announcement news

Why It Matters: This partnership isn't just about adding features - it's about Apple's survival in the world's largest smartphone market. With Huawei gaining ground through AI integration, Apple's choice of Alibaba shows it's willing to make strategic compromises to maintain its foothold in China.

Image Source: Anthropic

📊 AI's Workplace Reality Check

Anthropic's report reveals detailed insights into how AI is actually being used in workplaces.

Key Details:

  • 36% of jobs use AI for 25%+ of tasks

  • Engineers and content creators lead adoption

  • Only 4% of jobs use AI for 75%+ of work

  • Mid-wage workers are primary users

  • 57% use AI as collaborator vs automator

Why It Matters: The data challenges both AI hype and doom scenarios. While AI isn't replacing workers wholesale, it's creating a new digital divide - not between rich and poor, but between those who can effectively leverage AI as a collaborator and those who can't. The concentration of use among mid-wage, bachelor's degree holders suggests AI might be amplifying existing workplace advantages.

🛠️ Trending AI Tools

That's it for today! If you have any recommendations for this newsletter please let me know at [email protected]. Have a great day!