Global AI Rules Are No Longer Optional: A July 2025 Look at International and U.S. Regulatory Shifts

July 21, 2025

In July 2025, the U.S. and international bodies initiated sweeping AI regulatory measures, marking a global shift toward enforced governance of generative technologies. Explore the implications, risks, and what's coming next.

Published: July 21, 2025 — The week of July 15–21 may go down in history as the moment the world’s governments finally stopped admiring artificial intelligence—and started regulating it.

As nations scramble to harness the promises of AI while managing its rapidly multiplying risks, the legal landscape is transforming. From California’s judicial AI guidelines to BRICS nations calling for UN-led governance and the EU’s AI Act nearing full enforcement, it’s clear: the Wild West era of unregulated generative AI is closing fast.

California Court System Takes a Stand

In a first-of-its-kind move, California’s judiciary approved statewide policies governing AI use in courtrooms and clerical operations. By September 1, 2025, all court staff must comply with policies that either prohibit or tightly regulate the use of generative AI. These rules aim to preserve confidentiality, mitigate bias, and maintain procedural integrity.

According to a Reuters report, this policy may become a blueprint for other U.S. states navigating legal system modernization. Importantly, California’s approach separates “AI as a tool” from “AI as a decision-maker,” acknowledging the technology’s utility without ceding control.

BRICS Pushes for United Nations-Led Oversight

On July 18 during the 17th BRICS Summit, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa called for an international AI governance framework under the supervision of the United Nations. Their communique urged nations to develop global norms around AI that prioritize human rights, transparency, and equitable development.

In stark contrast to unilateral regulation, the BRICS proposal emphasizes sovereignty and decentralization—positioning AI not just as a tech race but as a geopolitical balancing act. The full summit report is available on Wikipedia’s official BRICS 2025 page.

European Union’s AI Act Nears Enforcement

The EU AI Act, which passed earlier this year, is set to become enforceable on August 1, 2025. Yet controversy has already begun. Meta (formerly Facebook) refused to sign a voluntary “AI Code of Practice” intended to bridge the gap until enforcement, citing concerns about vagueness and legal exposure.

According to a Tech in Asia article, Meta’s refusal has drawn sharp criticism from EU officials, underscoring the growing tension between Big Tech autonomy and democratic accountability.

U.S. Federal Movement: Slow But Waking

While the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights in 2024, actual legislation has lagged. But July 2025 saw renewed bipartisan support for a federal AI regulatory agency, akin to the FDA but for algorithms.

Senators are reportedly drafting a bill that would mandate labeling of AI-generated content, establish AI licensing procedures, and impose penalties for noncompliance. Expect movement by Q4 2025 if public support continues to climb.

Why This Matters: The Stakes Are Growing

AI is no longer just a tech-sector concern. It influences judicial rulings, elections, defense systems, education, and healthcare. Misuse can amplify social inequality, spread misinformation, or lead to algorithmic harm. The urgency to get governance right has never been greater.

Top Concerns Driving AI Regulation:

  • Bias & Discrimination: Algorithmic outputs that reinforce harmful stereotypes.
  • Deepfakes & Misinformation: Manipulated media disrupting trust in journalism and elections.
  • Labor Displacement: Automation without social safety nets.
  • AI Autonomy: Agents making decisions without human accountability.

Helpful Resources for Readers

The Road Ahead

AI is evolving faster than governments can legislate—but 2025 marks a moment of global reckoning. Whether through regional court mandates or international diplomacy, the world is beginning to say: AI must serve us, not the other way around.

What remains to be seen is whether governments can collaborate, codify, and enforce rules before the next wave of innovation reshapes the very systems they seek to protect.

At WhatIsAINow.com, we’ll continue tracking these vital shifts so you can understand and prepare for the laws shaping your digital life.