A consortium of nations, led by the United States, is spearheading a United Nations resolution to promote safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) systems worldwide. The resolution, introduced in the UN General Assembly, seeks to establish a unified approach towards developing and regulating AI technologies.
Global initiative for safe and trustworthy AI
The joint statement released by the US and 54 other countries emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in shaping economies, societies, and global development. The resolution underscores the importance of ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to nations at all levels of development. It calls upon member states to prioritize promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, healthcare, food security, climate change, energy, and education.
The resolution advocates for a shared vision of AI that is human-centric, reliable, explainable, ethical, inclusive, privacy-preserving, and responsible, focusing on sustainable development. It emphasizes respecting and protecting human rights and international law in developing and deploying AI technologies.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the United Nations, hailed the resolution as a landmark effort towards establishing global consensus on AI. If adopted, it would mark the first standalone initiative at the UN dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
EU’s AI Act sets a precedent for regulation
Coinciding with the UN resolution initiative, the European Union (EU) has finalized the long-awaited AI Act, following extensive negotiations since its inception in 2021. Adopted in a decisive vote, the AI Act aims to introduce comprehensive regulation to govern AI technologies within the EU.
The AI Act introduces a risk-based approach to AI regulation, categorizing AI technologies based on potential risks. High-risk AI applications will be subject to stringent regulations to mitigate potential harms, while certain uses of AI, such as social scoring systems, will be prohibited altogether.
The EU’s AI Act seeks to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of AI for societal benefit and safeguarding against its misuse. By imposing strict rules on high-risk AI systems and prohibiting certain applications, the legislation aims to foster responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies.
The parallel efforts by the UN and the EU reflect a growing recognition of the need for international cooperation in governing AI. As AI technologies advance rapidly, there is a pressing need for collective action to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
The introduction of a UN resolution advocating for the regulation of AI systems and the adoption of the EU’s AI Act marks significant milestones in the global governance of artificial intelligence. These initiatives underscore the importance of prioritizing ethical considerations, human rights, and international cooperation in shaping AI technologies’ future development and deployment. By fostering a collaborative and regulatory framework, the international community aims to harness the potential of AI while mitigating its risks for the benefit of society as a whole.
