Macron defends EU AI rules and vows crackdown on child ‘digital abuse’
The Guardian World
by Robert Booth in DelhiFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Emmanuel Macron has strongly defended Europe's efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), rejecting criticism from the United States during his address at the AI Impact summit in Delhi. The French president emphasized the need for stricter safeguards against the misuse of AI, particularly following widespread outrage over Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot being exploited to generate tens of thousands of sexualized images of children. Macron also highlighted concerns about the growing concentration of AI power among a small number of tech companies, which could lead to monopolistic control and ethical dilemmas.
Speaking as France holds the G7 presidency, Macron vowed to prioritize child protection from “digital abuse” during his tenure. He was joined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also expressed worries about AI’s impact on child safety and global inequality. The summit discussions underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to address these challenges while ensuring ethical standards are upheld.
The issue of AI regulation has become a critical topic globally, with debates intensifying over how to balance innovation with safeguards against misuse. Macron’s stance reflects Europe’s broader commitment to regulating AI to prevent harm and promote accountability. This approach contrasts with the more laissez-faire attitude often seen in the U.S., leading to tensions between the two regions.
The concerns about child safety and AI monopolies are particularly significant, as they highlight the ethical and societal risks posed by advanced technology. Without robust global agreements, there is a risk of uneven regulation, leaving vulnerable populations
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026