French AI company Mistral has launched an initiative named ‘AI for Citizens’ to collaborate with governments and public entities in enhancing public services via AI technology. Mistral expressed concerns that artificial intelligence will significantly affect not just businesses but also governments and societies. The company worries that AI advancements often occur without local influence, leaving people subject to closed systems controlled by large corporations. Although Mistral didn’t specifically name these corporations, it likely refers to US-based tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, as well as OpenAI and Anthropic.

The announcement follows Mistral’s participation in a coalition of approximately 50 European businesses requesting a temporary halt to the EU’s forthcoming AI Act, due to concerns about competitive balance within Europe. The Act aims to ensure AI systems in Europe are secure, transparent, and eco-friendly. Its provisions began partially on August 1, 2024, though full implementation isn’t expected until August 2026.

Mistral argues for postponing these regulations to focus on regulatory quality rather than pace, suggesting that this delay would signal a commitment to fostering innovation and competitiveness in Europe. The coalition has issued an open letter advocating for a two-year enforcement delay to safeguard European market interests.

This move, however, has faced criticism from advocacy groups like Corporate Europe Observatory, which warns against yielding to corporate lobbying tactics. These groups highlight existing risks from AI misuse in areas such as surveillance, elections, and public welfare.

While similar lobbying for AI regulatory pauses has occurred in the US, the American Senate has resisted prolonged inaction. Now, Europe must navigate this challenge, balancing innovation and regulation.