Atoosa Kasirzadeh, a philosopher and Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, argues that artificial intelligence requires an ethical framework and safety regulations [1].
This push for oversight comes as AI development accelerates globally. Proponents of regulation argue that without a precautionary approach, the technology could cause significant societal harms and safety risks [1, 2].
Speaking on the World Economic Forum’s online platform, Kasirzadeh said that many other high-risk technologies are already heavily regulated to ensure public safety [1]. She cited pharmaceuticals, aviation, and nuclear power as primary examples of industries where strict oversight is mandatory to prevent catastrophe [1].
Kasirzadeh said that AI should be treated with the same level of scrutiny to prevent misunderstandings and systemic failures [1]. The goal is to establish a standard of safety that mirrors the existing protocols used for other dangerous but beneficial technologies [1, 2].
While the need for safety is clear, the approach to implementation remains a point of contention. Some argue that robust regulation could actually serve as a competitive advantage for the U.S. by creating a stable and trusted environment for innovation [2]. However, other perspectives suggest that the U.S. cannot afford regulatory paralysis while competing in an AI race with China [3].
Other legislative efforts regarding digital safety have also surfaced this month. For example, discussions regarding child safety online were highlighted in reports published on July 16, 2026 [4]. These parallel concerns suggest a broader movement toward tightening the rules governing how software, and algorithms interact with the public [4].
Kasirzadeh said that the current lack of comparable oversight for AI is a gap that must be closed to protect society [1].
“Many other high-risk technologies are already heavily regulated to ensure public safety.”
The debate over AI regulation highlights a tension between the 'precautionary principle'—which prioritizes safety and harm prevention—and the drive for geopolitical dominance. By comparing AI to nuclear power and aviation, experts are attempting to shift the narrative from AI as a mere software product to AI as critical infrastructure that requires state-mandated safety certifications to prevent large-scale failure.
