On Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed its inaugural global resolution on artificial intelligence, urging member countries to uphold human rights, safeguard personal data, and monitor AI for potential risks.
Introduced by the United States and supported by more than 120 nations, including China, the nonbinding resolution also calls for the enhancement of privacy protections.
Speaking on the occasion, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield remarked, “Today, all 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly have spoken in one voice and, together, chosen to govern artificial intelligence rather than let it govern us.”
This resolution marks the latest effort by governments worldwide to shape the trajectory of AI development amid concerns over its potential misuse, including threats to democratic processes, increased fraudulent activities, and significant job displacement.
Details of the Global Artificial Intelligence Resolution
According to the resolution, the “improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems … pose risks that could … undercut the protection, promotion, and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
In November, the U.S., Britain, and several other nations introduced the first comprehensive international agreement outlining strategies to ensure the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The agreement emphasizes the importance of developing AI systems that prioritize security from the outset.
While Europe has taken strides in regulating AI, with EU lawmakers recently adopting a provisional agreement to oversee the technology, progress in the United States has been slower due to political polarization in Congress.
Nevertheless, the Biden administration has taken steps to address AI-related risks through executive orders, focusing on consumer protection, workforce implications, and national security.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that it took nearly four months to negotiate the resolution, emphasizing that it provides a fundamental framework for guiding future developments and applications of AI.
Despite potential challenges in negotiations, including disagreements with countries like Russia and China, senior administration officials highlighted the importance of engaging with diverse viewpoints.
China and Russia, like many other nations, are actively exploring the use of AI technologies for various purposes. Recent reports have indicated that hackers from both countries have utilized AI tools to enhance their espionage capabilities.
In response to these reports, China has refuted what it calls baseless allegations, while Russia has yet to comment on the matter.
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