GP essay question guide
Should governments regulate artificial intelligence?
Define the harm and the type of AI before judging regulation. The strongest answer compares risk-based rules with standards, transparency duties, and support for innovation.
Three argument directions
Protect the public
Rules can require testing, accountability, and remedies where AI can cause serious harm.
Qualification: Broad rules can become obsolete quickly or burden low-risk uses.
Support trust and adoption
Clear duties can make firms and citizens more willing to use AI in important settings.
Qualification: Compliance labels do not prove that enforcement is capable or independent.
Keep room for innovation
Flexible standards and regulatory sandboxes can reduce risk without fixing one technical design in law.
Qualification: Voluntary or flexible systems can fail when commercial incentives reward speed over safety.
Six examples to compare
Singapore's Agentic AI Governance Framework
Singapore published practical guardrails for AI systems that can plan and act, while keeping humans accountable. Student link: AI, school, online life, safety, evidence, and who benefits from innovation.
Possible essay use
Governments can use bounded, risk-based guardrails to preserve innovation while keeping people accountable for autonomous systems.
Limitation
A governance framework does not show universal adoption or prove that its controls have eliminated harm.
Case or source date: 2026-01-22
Council of Europe Opens the First AI Treaty for Signature
The Council of Europe opened a treaty intended to align AI activities with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Student link: rights, online safety, public trust, and whether governments can deliver.
Possible essay use
The Council of Europe opened a treaty intended to align AI activities with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Limitation
The convention's influence depends on signatures, ratification, domestic measures, and how broadly exceptions are used.
Case or source date: 2024-09-05
Source: Council of Europe
UN General Assembly Adopts Its First Global AI Resolution
The UN General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI consistent with human rights and sustainable development. Student link: rights, online safety, public trust, and whether governments can deliver.
Possible essay use
formal rules and institutions can coordinate action and protect public interests, but legitimacy depends on implementation and accountability
Limitation
A non-binding resolution can establish principles but has limited direct enforcement over governments or firms.
Case or source date: 2024-03-21
Source: United Nations
Singapore Updates Its National AI Strategy
Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 sets out plans for AI talent, industry, research, infrastructure, and a trusted environment. Student link: AI, school, online life, safety, evidence, and who benefits from innovation.
Possible essay use
governments and scientific institutions can steer innovation towards public goals, but progress requires evidence, safeguards, and equitable access
Limitation
Strategic investment can build capability but may misallocate resources or outpace accountability and workforce adaptation.
Case or source date: 2023-12-04
Source: Smart Nation Singapore
Governing AI: Ethics, Rules & Our Future
Debating ethical rules and global laws (like the EU AI Act) for advanced AI to ensure safety and align with human values.
AI Sees All: Is Your Data Safe?
Explores how Big Data and AI erode personal privacy, fueling concerns about corporate and state surveillance. What are the safeguards?