I think each country wants to be the first. As was questioned earlier, is that the right choice? Canada is marching forward and pushing this through, but to what benefit and, more concerning, to what harm?
When it comes to the EU and the U.K., yes, they've given thought and lots of consultation, but I think it's important to not consider these pieces of legislation in isolation, because on one hand we have robust AI regulations coming out of the same country that just passed the euphemistically named “Online Safety Act” that requires all content to be monitored, including yours, because the Internet is global.
How do we protect anything when AI is behind the scenes? AI is used in these buildings, in airports and in shopping centres. It's everywhere already.
Yes, they have a jump on Canada. Is it the right direction? It's certainly better than what we have in Bill C-27. There is no disagreement on that, whether from today's meetings or from many of your previous witnesses. We can look to our European counterparts. They are on a better path. That's about as generous as I can get right now.