In a pivotal move to influence U.S. AI policy, Google has joined OpenAI in publishing a policy proposal in response to the Trump Administration’s call for a national “AI Action Plan.” In this document, the tech giant argues for relaxed copyright restrictions on AI training and “balanced” export controls that will both protect national security and promote U.S. global business operations.
Google’s proposal presents a compelling vision for the future of AI innovation, urging that AI development should not be stifled by overly cautious or restrictive regulations. The company believes that the U.S. must prioritize international economic policy to advocate for American values and sustain AI innovation globally. Google warns that AI policymaking has historically focused too much on risks, neglecting the importance of fostering technological advancement and national competitiveness. The company stresses that this dynamic must shift under the new administration for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in AI development.
Google’s Controversial Stance on Intellectual Property (IP)
One of the most controversial aspects of Google’s proposal revolves around intellectual property (IP) rights and the use of copyrighted material in AI training. Google argues that “fair use” and “text-and-data mining exceptions” are crucial to AI development, enabling AI systems to learn from vast amounts of publicly available, including copyrighted, data without significant impact on the rights of content owners.
The company asserts that these exceptions allow AI developers to train models without entering complex and lengthy negotiations with data holders. By leveraging this approach, Google believes the industry can avoid the unpredictability and delays that come with obtaining permissions from copyright holders. This argument mirrors OpenAI’s position, and it highlights the growing demand for more permissive laws to facilitate AI training.
However, the proposal has not gone unnoticed by content owners who are currently suing Google for using copyrighted material without compensation or consent. With lawsuits in progress, the legal community is still waiting for U.S. courts to decide whether the fair use doctrine offers adequate protection for AI developers in the context of intellectual property law.
Export Controls and Their Impact on AI Competitiveness
In addition to copyright concerns, Google takes issue with current export controls imposed by the Biden Administration. According to Google, these restrictions may harm the economic competitiveness of U.S. cloud service providers by placing disproportionate burdens on them. This position contrasts with that of Microsoft, one of Google’s biggest competitors, which has expressed confidence in its ability to fully comply with the existing export regulations.
The export controls primarily focus on limiting the availability of advanced AI chips in certain countries deemed a national security risk. However, there are exemptions in place for trusted businesses seeking large quantities of these chips.
Long-Term Investment and Federal AI Legislation
Beyond copyright and export regulations, Google emphasizes the importance of long-term investments in foundational domestic R&D. The company calls on the U.S. government to fund early-market AI research and ensure that critical datasets are accessible for commercial AI training. Google also advocates for the development of a comprehensive federal AI privacy and security framework, arguing that the current patchwork of state laws is hindering progress and creating confusion within the industry.
With over 780 AI bills pending in the U.S. as of early 2025, Google urges a coordinated, national approach to AI regulation, which would provide clarity and consistency across states. The company also warns against imposing overbearing liability obligations on AI developers, arguing that model developers often have little control or visibility over how their models are used once deployed. Google believes responsibility for misuse should fall on deployers rather than developers, as they are in the best position to manage risks and monitor usage.
Transparency and Disclosure Challenges
As the global push for AI regulation intensifies, Google is also raising concerns about the increasing number of transparency rules that could force AI developers to reveal sensitive information. In particular, the company criticizes the disclosure requirements being considered by the EU and warns that overly broad transparency rules could expose trade secrets, harm national security, and allow competitors to duplicate products.
California’s AB-2013 and the EU’s forthcoming AI Act both require developers to disclose key details about how their AI models operate, including the datasets used for training. While Google supports transparency in principle, it believes that such requirements should be narrowly tailored to avoid unintended consequences.
Conclusion: Google’s Vision for the Future of AI
Google’s policy proposal highlights the tension between fostering innovation and ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. While the company pushes for relaxed copyright and export controls to maintain its competitive edge, it also raises concerns about the growing regulatory burden on the industry. As AI continues to evolve, the future of U.S. AI policy will play a critical role in shaping the global landscape. Google’s vision calls for a balanced approach that encourages technological progress while safeguarding economic and national security interests.
