Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has raised alarms about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by rogue states and individuals, likening the threat to a 'Bin Laden scenario' and specifically naming North Korea, Iran, and Russia as potential exploiters.

In an interview with the BBC, Schmidt warned that individuals with malicious intent could leverage AI technologies to harm innocent people.

Schmidt's comments came as the U.S. and U.K. declined to sign a regulatory agreement at the summit, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance arguing against overregulation of the sector.

During the AI Action Summit in Paris, Schmidt emphasized the necessity for government oversight of private tech companies developing AI, while cautioning that excessive regulation, particularly in Europe, could stifle innovation.

He supported U.S. export controls on advanced AI microchips, implemented under former President Joe Biden, aimed at slowing adversaries' AI research progress.

Schmidt warned that without proactive measures, China could emerge as the leader in open-source AI, leaving the rest of the world reliant on closed-source options.

He urged the West to invest in open-source AI models to remain competitive, especially in light of advancements from China's DeepSeek, which has made significant progress with fewer resources than Western counterparts.

The recent launch of DeepSeek's competitively priced AI model has raised concerns in global stock markets and is seen as a significant advancement for Southeast Asia's digital economy.

Major cloud service providers like Alibaba and Tencent are taking notice of DeepSeek's launch, indicating its potential impact on the region's tech landscape.

Schmidt also expressed concern over the effects of smartphones on children, advocating for moderated usage and supporting proposals to ban social media for individuals under 16.

Campaigners argue that smartphone usage is addictive and detrimental to children's development, prompting legislative actions like Australia’s recent law banning social media for under-16s.

Vice President JD Vance echoed Schmidt's concerns, warning that excessive regulation could hinder the growth of the emerging AI industry.