Stanford HAI: 2025 AI Index Report - Policy and Governance

The Stanford HAI AI Index Report reveals a dramatic acceleration in AI policy and governance efforts worldwide. In 2023, state-level AI legislation in the U.S. surged from just one law in 2016 to 131 in 2024, demonstrating a rapid and expansive regulatory response to AI's growing impact. Governments are simultaneously investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with countries like Canada, China, France, India, and Saudi Arabia committing billions of dollars to AI and semiconductor development, signaling a global recognition of AI's strategic importance. Particularly notable is the international coordination around AI safety, with multiple countries establishing AI safety institutes following the AI Safety Summit in 2023. The report shows a 21.3% increase in AI mentions in legislative proceedings across 75 countries, underscoring the global policy community's heightened focus on AI governance. The expansion of deepfake regulations and the proliferation of federal AI-related regulations in the U.S. further illustrate the emerging comprehensive approach to managing AI's societal implications, balancing innovation with risk mitigation.