AI in 2026: Promises, Perils, and Regulation
As we venture further into 2026, the influence and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) continue to dominate global discussions. From unresolved promises of disease cures and climate change solutions to growing concerns over safety, privacy, and ethical use, AI's trajectory is both exciting and fraught with uncertainty.
Evolving AI Landscape
Despite lofty promises, AI advancements in 2025 have largely resulted in an increasingly spam-heavy internet rather than groundbreaking tools to combat disease or climate change, as reported by the Japan Times. AI's growing influence in our daily lives has not been without controversy. The Guardian uncovered that Google's AI Overviews have been providing misleading health advice, putting people at risk.
Moreover, the rise of AI has led to a crisis for platforms like Wikipedia. As reported by Clarin, 65% of Wikipedia's current demand is from bots seeking data to fuel AI responses, resulting in fewer human interactions. AI has also reportedly changed childhood, with AI's integration into toys, lessons, and screens subtly shaping what children see, learn, and feel, according to Folha de S.Paulo.
Regulatory Challenges
The Diplomat reports that Trump and Xi have agreed in principle to AI talks, aiming for a smart
security agenda that could reduce shared risk. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has asserted Florida's right to regulate AI despite President Trump’s executive order requiring a national AI standard. This tension between state and federal jurisdictions adds a layer of complexity to AI regulation.
In France, the Court of Auditors has given a positive balance on the use of AI by France Travail, marking the first time such an evaluation has been conducted for a state operator. Meanwhile, in the U.S, as AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, regulators are debating whether patients should be informed when AI plays a role in their care, as per Fox News.
AI Safety and Ethical Concerns
AI's safety risks are also increasingly under scrutiny. Cybersecurity concerns are rising with AI-powered browsers facing 'unsolvable' prompt attacks, and AI chatbots being reported to potentially trigger psychosis in vulnerable people, according to Fox News. There are also concerns about AI's role in generating deepfake images, which are causing distress and raising serious ethical and legal questions, as reported by Clarin and The Guardian.
The South China Morning Post reported on the flood of AI deepfakes following the dramatic U.S raid on Maduro, highlighting the role of AI in spreading misinformation. AI expert David Dalrymple told The Guardian that the world may not have time
to prepare for the safety risks posed by cutting-edge AI systems, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.
Future Trajectory
As the discussions around AI's potential and pitfalls continue, countries like China are taking strides in AI development. The South China Morning Post reports China's vow to achieve safe and reliable supply
in key AI technologies by 2027. Meanwhile, AI unicorn Moonshot AI has raised US$500 million in its recent funding round, signaling continued investment in the field.
The future of AI remains uncertain, with unresolved questions and ongoing debates over regulation, safety, and ethical use. As we move further into 2026, these discussions will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of AI, its role in our lives, and its impact on society.