Amazon's Ring Adds AI Facial Recognition, EU Probes Google AI, and Canada-EU AI Pact - AI Policy Brief #48
December 16, 2025 -
AI Policy Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of the AI Policy Brief, where we delve into the latest developments in AI regulations and policies from around the globe. This week, we explore a range of topics including Amazon's Ring adding AI facial recognition to its doorbells, a move that has sparked discussions on privacy and security. Meanwhile, the European Union is investigating Google's AI search practices, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and fairness in AI-driven technologies.
In other news, Canada and the EU have formed agreements to align their AI regulation efforts, aiming to create a cohesive framework for AI governance. Additionally, the House Committee in the U.S. has advanced an AI regulation bill with support from the fintech sector, signaling a growing interest in ensuring AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. Stay informed as we cover these stories and more in this edition.
Welcome to this week's edition of the AI Policy Brief, where we delve into the latest developments in AI regulations and policies from around the globe. This week, we explore a range of topics including Amazon's Ring adding AI facial recognition to its doorbells, a move that has sparked discussions on privacy and security. Meanwhile, the European Union is investigating Google's AI search practices, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and fairness in AI-driven technologies.
In other news, Canada and the EU have formed agreements to align their AI regulation efforts, aiming to create a cohesive framework for AI governance. Additionally, the House Committee in the U.S. has advanced an AI regulation bill with support from the fintech sector, signaling a growing interest in ensuring AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. Stay informed as we cover these stories and more in this edition.
Amazon's Ring Adds AI Facial Recognition to Doorbells
Amazon's Ring has introduced 'Familiar Faces', an AI-powered facial recognition feature for its video doorbells in the US, allowing users to identify visitors. The feature has sparked privacy concerns. Read more
EU Investigates Google's AI Search Practices
The European Commission has started an antitrust investigation into Google over its use of website content and YouTube videos in AI-generated summaries, examining potential EU competition law violations. Read more
Canada and EU Agree on AI Regulation at G7 Meeting
During the G7 digital ministers meeting in Montreal, Canada announced new agreements with the European Union focusing on responsible AI development and digital credentials. Read more
House Committee Advances AI Regulation Bill
The House Financial Services Committee is progressing with legislation to create AI Innovation Labs for safe AI experimentation in the financial sector, supported by the American Fintech Council. Read more
South Korea to Label AI-Generated Ads for Transparency
The South Korean government will mandate labeling of AI-generated advertisements starting next year to prevent deceptive promotions and protect consumers. This initiative includes revising laws and imposing fines for non-compliance, with implementation expected in early 2026. Read more
Paladin Capital Group Invests $927 Million in AI Safety Tech
Paladin Capital Group has announced a significant investment in AI Safety, Security, and Assurance, totaling $927 million for 2025. This investment is part of the broader Safety Tech industry's growth, as highlighted in their latest report. Read more
Disney Accuses Google of Copyright Infringement
Disney has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging that the company has used AI models to distribute unauthorized images and videos of Disney characters, infringing on their copyrights. Read more
Google DeepMind and UK Partner for AI Science Lab
The UK government and Google DeepMind are collaborating to create an automated science laboratory to advance AI and robotics in scientific research, focusing on superconductor materials. Read more
DeepSeek Allegedly Uses Banned Nvidia Chips for AI Model
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly using banned Nvidia chips to develop a new AI model, amid US semiconductor restrictions. Read more
Trump Signs AI Executive Order for National Regulation
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to create a national framework for AI regulation, challenging state laws and aiming to provide startups with consistent regulations. A task force will assess state laws, but legal experts caution this may lead to uncertainty and legal challenges. Read more
Coalition of Attorneys General Urges AI Safeguards
A coalition led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging major AI companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to implement safeguards to protect users from harmful chatbot interactions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Read more
US Requires AI Vendors to Measure Political Bias
The U.S. government has announced that AI vendors must evaluate political bias in their chatbots when selling to federal agencies. This new rule aims to ensure that large language models do not encode partisan judgments in their outputs. Read more
Environmental Groups Call for Data Center Moratorium
Over 230 environmental and public-interest groups have urged the U.S. Congress to halt new data center approvals, citing concerns over AI-driven energy and water resource strain. Read more
Nudge Security Launches AI Security Governance Platform
Nudge Security has launched an AI security governance platform to mitigate data risks in the SaaS ecosystem. The platform includes features like AI conversation monitoring and policy enforcement. Read more
U.S. War Department Launches GenAI.mil for Military Operations
The U.S. War Department has introduced a new AI tool, GenAI.mil, to support military operations, featuring a government-specific version of Google's Gemini. Additionally, a partnership with the Interior Department aims to enhance border security through land jurisdiction transfer in California. Read more
Western Australia AI Traffic Cameras Generate $13 Million in Fines
The Western Australia Government has collected $13 million in fines from new AI-powered traffic cameras in their first month, capturing over 31,800 violations to enhance road safety. Read more
California Governor Opposes Trump's AI Executive Order
California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at preventing states from regulating artificial intelligence, citing concerns over state legislation and unchecked power for tech companies. Read more
Vietnam Passes AI Law to Enhance Competitiveness
The Vietnam National Assembly has approved a new AI law aimed at boosting national competitiveness, focusing on oversight, risk management, and establishing a national AI computing center. Read more
Saudi Arabia Plans Data Embassies for AI
Saudi Arabia is considering the creation of data embassies to host data under the laws of the data owner's country, as part of its initiative to lead in sovereign AI. Read more
xAI's Grok Spreads Misinformation on Bondi Beach Shooting
The chatbot Grok, developed by xAI, has been criticized for inaccurately reporting details of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, including misidentifying the bystander who disarmed the gunman. Read more
Israel Joins U.S.-Led AI Supply Chain Initiative
Israel has become part of the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation on AI supply chains among several countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the UK. Read more
MeetKai Partners with Pakistan for National AI Platform
Through a collaboration with Pakistan's AXI Systems, MeetKai will create a national AI platform focused on local languages and compliance with local laws, aiming to improve AI services in sectors like healthcare and education. Read more
Trump Administration Seeks 1,000 AI Engineers for Federal Jobs
The Trump Administration has started a campaign to hire 1,000 engineers for federal roles, with a focus on AI and related fields. The initiative includes collaboration with private companies for future employment opportunities. Read more
New Hampshire Proposes AI and Telemedicine Bills
New Hampshire's legislature is considering two bills focused on regulating AI in health insurance and promoting telemedicine. House Bill 1406 seeks to prevent insurers from using AI to override clinical judgments, while House Bill 1232 aims for equal reimbursement for telemedicine services. Read more
New York AI Advertising Disclosure Law Enacted
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a law mandating advertisers to disclose the use of AI-generated synthetic performers in ads. This legislation aims to increase transparency and protect consumer rights. Read more
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