These apps are security threats because the US, which hosts firms that store huge quantities of information, has adopted no federal rules governing how companies can acquire, utilise and monetise personal data.

The US rightly sees AI as crucial for building a better world, and is making plans for regulating and developing it. However, it is discouraging cooperation and foreign involvement when it should be fostering international standards.

Past American presidents from Bush to Clinton and Obama sought to advance and lead the understanding and governance of emerging technology. Trump has, however, abandoned this approach in favour of protectionism.

We need to think differently at the global level about how to govern data