AI Advances Faster Than Governments Can Protect People, New Global Index Reveals
A recent study from the Global Center on AI Governance highlights a critical gap in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) as investments in the technology surge ahead of governmental oversight. The second edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) compares 135 countries and reveals that while laws and strategies are proliferating, the necessary institutions and enforcement mechanisms to protect human rights are lagging behind.
Accelerating AI Investment and Governance Challenges
The report indicates that AI investment is outpacing governmental efforts to regulate it in the public interest. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors—including public services, education, healthcare, and finance—many regions are being left behind. This disparity is particularly evident between countries that have established enforceable AI commitments and those relying on non-binding principles and voluntary frameworks.
The GIRAI findings underscore that many governments lack the institutional capacity and transparency mechanisms required to safeguard citizens as AI systems influence access to essential services. The report emphasizes that without robust oversight bodies and accountability measures, the risks associated with AI misuse, including surveillance and discrimination, remain unaddressed.
Key Findings from the Global Index on Responsible AI
The GIRAI reveals several significant trends in AI governance:
AI Governance is Lagging: The diffusion of AI technologies is accelerating, with 53% of the global population having used generative AI tools. However, the average GIRAI score is only about 35 out of 100, indicating insufficient implementation of existing frameworks.
Global South Progress: Countries in the Global South have made strides in expanding responsible AI governance, increasing the number of relevant topics covered in national frameworks. Despite this progress, 78% of these frameworks remain non-binding.
Human Harms Under-addressed: While AI safety governance is growing, it often focuses on technical safeguards, neglecting broader human rights implications. The Index found credible evidence of AI misuse in 35 of the 135 countries surveyed.
Transparency Gaps: Although 58% of countries have frameworks for AI transparency, only 18% require public disclosure of government algorithmic systems, highlighting a significant oversight in governmental AI usage.
Gender and AI: Gender considerations in AI governance are gaining traction, with 29 new countries addressing this issue since the last edition. However, protections against gendered harms remain weak.
Children’s Rights and AI Literacy: While 71 countries have frameworks for AI literacy, only 41% have provisions addressing children’s rights in AI, with limited evidence of implementation.
Environmental Impact: A mere 27% of countries have frameworks addressing AI’s environmental effects, with most being non-binding, indicating a significant oversight in responsible AI governance.
Local Language Initiatives: Governments are investing in local-language AI technologies, yet few require developers to incorporate diverse datasets or adapt systems to local contexts.
Worker Protections: Labour protection frameworks exist in only 39 countries, while 72 countries have frameworks for reskilling and upskilling, indicating a neglect of workers’ rights in the face of AI-driven changes.
Fragmented Global Governance: The average GIRAI scores reveal a stark divide, with Global North countries averaging 55 and Global South countries only 27. The majority of recent AI-related frameworks are non-binding, and only 54% of countries have adopted a national AI policy.
Implications for Future AI Governance
The GIRAI serves as a vital tool for assessing countries’ commitments to responsible AI governance. It highlights the urgent need for enforceable obligations, independent oversight, and public accountability mechanisms. Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance, emphasized that responsible AI cannot be secured through principles alone. As AI becomes a structural force in public life, governments must prioritize establishing robust frameworks to protect citizens.
The Global Index on Responsible AI aims to shift the global conversation from aspirations to actionable evidence. It ranks countries while also assisting policymakers in identifying areas needing stronger laws and institutions. Civil society actors can leverage this data to hold governments accountable for their commitments, while international organizations can better understand urgent capacity gaps.
Regional Insights: Africa’s Governance Landscape
In Africa, the responsible AI governance landscape is expanding, yet significant barriers to implementation remain. The region has the lowest average GIRAI score globally, reflecting persistent gaps between policy ambitions and practical actions. Out of 39 African countries surveyed, only six scored above the global average: Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Benin, and Morocco.
The report indicates that the continent’s biggest challenge lies in translating commitments into action. While topics related to AI ethics and sustainability have broad policy coverage, only 20.45% of existing frameworks are implemented. Conversely, frameworks addressing labour and skills challenges show a stronger implementation rate.
Civil society efforts in Africa are primarily focused on building awareness and capacity, with fewer initiatives aimed at accountability. Documented cases of unacceptable-risk AI in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda highlight the urgent need for enhanced governance as AI adoption accelerates across the continent.
Global Rankings and Future Directions
The GIRAI ranks countries based on their responsible AI governance frameworks. Norway, Italy, and Ireland lead the global rankings, while African nations like Nigeria and Egypt are making strides but still face challenges.
The index was developed by translating major global AI governance commitments into measurable indicators, assessing three core pillars: AI policy, civil society engagement, and enabling conditions. The measurement framework was validated with civil society organizations working on human rights in digital environments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to evaluating AI governance.
For further details, the second edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI can be accessed for download, alongside country-level data and methodology at www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-07-08 23:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
