Ctrl+AI+Reg - 18 May 2026

May 17, 2026

∙ Paid

In this issue:

Updates from US x China, Vatican City, UK (x2), EU, US (x2), Japan (x2), South Korea, Australia, Nigeria.
Recap of my recent interview with Clear AI about China’s AI landscape and the on-the-ground culture that is not often talked about in news headlines.

See all real time updates in the Global AI Regulation Tracker (English version | Chinese version)

🇺🇸 🇨🇳 [15 May 2026] US and China to discuss AI safety protocols, according to US Treasury Secretary: It is reported that US and China will begin discussions on AI safety protocols, including measures to prevent nonstate actors from accessing powerful AI models, as stated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during an interview in Beijing. Although specific details and timelines for these talks were not provided, they are anticipated to occur during President Trump’s second term, marking the first formal engagement on AI safety between the two nations.

🇻🇦 [16 May 2026] Pope Leo establishes Vatican commission on AI: The Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV has approved the establishment of the Inter-Dicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence to address the rapid development and implications of AI on humanity and human dignity, following a meeting with the Cardinal Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

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