The City Council of Indianapolis convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on American national security as part of the Great Decisions 2025 program. The meeting highlighted the contrasting approaches to AI regulation between the United States and the European Union, as well as the competitive landscape among major tech companies.

A key point of discussion was the EU's stringent privacy regulations, which allow individuals to request the deletion of their personal data from companies like Google. In contrast, the U.S. has a more relaxed regulatory environment, with meaningful regulations likely to emerge only after significant public outcry over AI-related harms. This difference raises concerns about the potential risks associated with AI technologies in the U.S.

The conversation also delved into the role of data scientists and mathematicians in developing AI algorithms. These professionals, often employed by well-funded private companies, create the mathematical frameworks that power AI systems. Notably, OpenAI, which began as a nonprofit, is now partially owned by Microsoft, reflecting the growing commercialization of AI technology.

The meeting underscored the competitive dynamics between tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Google views AI advancements, such as those from ChatGPT, as a threat to its search engine business model, prompting it to enhance its own AI capabilities through initiatives like the Gemini system. Meanwhile, Microsoft has integrated ChatGPT into its Bing search engine, aiming to revitalize its relevance in the market.

In a lighter moment, a participant inquired whether AI could assist in recalling and learning music. While the speaker acknowledged the potential for AI to recognize tunes and suggest songs, they emphasized that specific capabilities would depend on the technology available.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for discussions around AI regulation and its implications for privacy, competition, and national security as the technology continues to evolve. The City Council plans to further explore these issues in future sessions, reflecting the growing importance of AI in everyday life and governance.