Anne Applebaum advises New Zealand to regulate big tech and AI

Historian Anne Applebaum suggests that New Zealand must ensure information and artificial intelligence technologies respect national sovereignty and local laws to prevent democratic decline. Applebaum notes that major tech companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Facebook, and Google, now possess more financial power than many governments.

She emphasizes that democracies must determine how these companies operate within their borders, including adherence to libel and environmental laws. Applebaum warns that the influence of the United States behind these firms can lead to an arrogance that undermines the decision-making abilities of other nations.

In response to these challenges, some nations are already moving toward regulation. Australia plans to introduce legislation early next year to establish a regulatory framework for AI, which will include national standards, copyright protections, and the creation of an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.