Artificial intelligence in 2026 will transition from technological breakthroughs to focused governance and strategic competition, with far-reaching economic and national security implications.
Mexico’s health system modernization depends on strategically leveraging artificial intelligence as a centralized national asset. By standardizing governance and ensuring interoperability, Mexico can shift from being an AI consumer to a builder of its own clinical expertise, enhancing efficiency and resilience.
RegulatingAI has appointed former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa to its Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to responsible AI governance by ensuring African and Global South perspectives are included in global AI policy discussions.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is urging legislators to introduce Senate Bill 5984 to regulate AI chatbot companions for minors. The bill aims to protect underage users by requiring chatbots to disclose they are not human and implement safeguards following concerning teen suicides linked to chatbot use.
The Kentucky attorney general has filed a lawsuit against an AI chatbot company for violating the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act due to unsafe features for children and improper collection of personal data, highlighting increasing state regulations on AI technologies and child protection.
As AI becomes integral to enterprises, leaders face the challenge of deploying AI agents transparently and safely. Organizations must prioritize governance frameworks, human accountability, and continuous monitoring to ensure AI systems are effective, understandable, and trustworthy.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns that while AI agents are becoming more capable of autonomous action, they also pose growing cybersecurity threats. A Stanford University study showed that an advanced AI agent outperformed most human hackers in finding vulnerabilities, underscoring both the promise and challenges of AI in cybersecurity.
Wisconsin lawmakers are advancing AI regulations to protect data privacy and improve agency operations despite federal efforts to restrict state-level AI legislation. They seek to balance innovation with essential protections amid evolving governance challenges.
India has the potential to carve out a unique position in the AI governance landscape by balancing innovation with necessary safeguards. Navigating between China’s stringent controls and the U.S.’s deregulated approach, India’s third path of regulated openness could enable it to lead in shaping global AI standards.
In 2026, large employers must address heightened risks associated with AI-assisted hiring by ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws and implementing robust monitoring and validation processes. The evolving legal landscape, including cases like Mobley v. Workday, highlights the importance of accountability for employers and technology vendors.