Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent French presidential candidate, has put forward a proposal to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale. He suggested that the United Nations (UN) should play a central role in overseeing AI development, ensuring it is managed in a "democratic" way. Mélenchon views AI as a transformative force that could help humanity achieve new levels of knowledge and progress. However, he also warns of potential risks, including new dangers and potential suffering, if AI is not carefully controlled. His plan involves creating a UN-linked organization that would set "common rules for all" to govern how AI is developed, used, and resourced globally. In addition to global regulation, Mélenchon has proposed the creation of a "national arsenal" in France. This would involve a public authority that would approve all AI systems before they are deployed, ensuring they meet strict safety and ethical standards. The authority would apply the precautionary principle, which means taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty. Mélenchon emphasized that AI development should prioritize public capabilities and be subject to democratic oversight. His ideas have sparked mixed reactions. Some critics on social media argue that such regulations might slow down the pace of AI innovation and could put French companies like Mistral AI at a disadvantage in the global market. Economy Minister Roland Lescure has expressed concerns about France falling behind in the global AI race. On September 3, 2026, he emphasized the need for France to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving AI sector. Mélenchon’s views align with those of some international experts who are concerned about the growing influence of American billionaires and Chinese companies in the AI industry. They worry that this concentration of power could lead to biases or foreign interference in how AI is developed and used. The issue of national control over AI has gained renewed attention in recent months. In June 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration made headlines by restricting access to the powerful Anthropic AI model, Mythos, for users outside the United States. This move highlighted the growing tensions around AI sovereignty and the potential for governments to exert control over AI technologies for national interests. As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, the debate over how to regulate and govern AI responsibly remains at the forefront of political and technological discussions.