How Rules for Publicly Available Data Are Shaping the Future of AI

Whether nations permit AI systems to learn from publicly available information will shape global leadership in artificial intelligence. Restrictive rules on the use of public web data risk shifting AI development to more permissive jurisdictions, undermining a country’s ability to build, deploy, and benefit from next-generation AI systems. A more effective approach emphasizes technical opt-outs, transparency, and safeguards that prevent harmful outputs. Policies that preserve responsible access to the digital commons will better support the next generation of AI capabilities and economic growth.