Policy, Regulation, and Global Governance of Generative AI: A Narrative Journey Through Rules, Rights, and Responsibility

Abstract: The global rise of generative AI has outpaced existing regulatory structures, creating an urgent need for comprehensive governance frameworks that ensure innovation, safety, and ethical responsibility. This chapter examines international policy developments, including the EU AI Act, U.S. Executive Orders, UNESCO guidelines, OECD principles, and emerging national standards. It explores legal considerations such as intellectual property rights, liability, accountability, data protection, and responsible AI deployment. The chapter also discusses geopolitical implications of AI research, global inequality in AI access, and the need for harmonized cross-border regulation. Emphasis is placed on governance mechanisms such as model audits, transparency requirements, risk classification systems, watermarking of synthetic content, and institutional oversight structures. Through comparative analysis, the chapter highlights pathways for building a globally coordinated regulatory ecosystem that balances innovation with societal well-being. Keywords: AI Governance; Regulation; Policy Frameworks; Global Standards; Responsible AI; Ethical Compliance