Calls to Slow AI Could Benefit U.S. Industry Leaders, French Finance Minister Says

France’s finance minister warned that efforts to slow artificial intelligence development could unintentionally benefit the United States’ largest technology companies. He argued that established firms have the resources to comply with costly regulations, while European startups and smaller competitors could struggle to keep pace. The comments come amid growing debate over AI safety, after major technology leaders called for coordinated limits and stronger oversight. France supports responsible safeguards, but officials also want Europe to preserve innovation, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty