The United States has taken the lead in proposing the first-ever United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence (AI). The resolution aims to ensure the safety, security, and trustworthiness of this rapidly advancing technology, and to provide equal access to all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
Recognizing the urgent need for global consensus on AI systems, the draft General Assembly resolution emphasizes the importance of closing the digital divide and ensuring that all countries are equipped with the necessary technology and capabilities to benefit from AI. These benefits include disease detection, flood prediction, and the training of future workers.
According to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, this resolution represents a significant step in managing the implications of AI. It would establish a baseline set of principles for the development and use of AI systems, while also addressing potential risks. If approved, the resolution would serve as a historic milestone in promoting safe and trustworthy AI worldwide.
Over the past three months, the United States has engaged in extensive negotiations with all 193 U.N. member states, dedicating countless hours to discussions and incorporating input from 120 nations. The resolution has undergone several revisions and has gained consensus support from all member states. Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they hold significant weight as a reflection of global opinion.
The draft resolution highlights the importance of using AI to accelerate progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. These goals include eliminating global hunger and poverty, improving global health, ensuring quality education for all, and achieving gender equality.
To promote the safe use of AI systems, the resolution calls upon all stakeholders—countries, organizations, technical communities, civil society, media, academia, and research institutions—to develop and support regulatory and governance frameworks. It also warns against the improper or malicious use of AI systems that could violate international law.
This push for AI regulation is not exclusive to the United Nations. The European Union, the United States, China, and the Group of 20 nations are all in the process of developing their own AI rules and regulations.
The U.S. draft resolution also emphasizes the importance of assisting developing countries in accessing the benefits of digital transformation and safe AI systems. It reiterates the need to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the lifecycle of AI systems.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed the resolution’s aim to build international consensus on the design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems. As it responds to the profound implications of this technology, she believes that its adoption would be a significant step forward in fostering safe and trustworthy AI worldwide.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence?
The purpose of this resolution is to ensure the safety, security, and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence technology. It aims to provide equal access to AI for all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
2. How will the resolution promote the use of AI?
The resolution encourages the development and support of regulatory and governance approaches for safe AI systems. It also emphasizes the need to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in the use of AI.
3. Is the resolution legally binding?
No, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. However, they hold significance as an indicator of global opinion.
4. What are the potential risks associated with AI?
The resolution warns against the improper or malicious use of AI systems, such as in violation of international law. It highlights the need to design, develop, deploy, and use AI systems with adequate safeguards.
5. Are other countries and international organizations also developing AI regulations?
Yes, countries such as the United States, China, and the European Union, as well as international organizations like the Group of 20 nations, are actively working on developing AI rules and regulations.
1. What is the purpose of the United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence?
The purpose of this resolution is to ensure the safety, security, and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence technology. It aims to provide equal access to AI for all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
2. How will the resolution promote the use of AI?
The resolution encourages the development and support of regulatory and governance approaches for safe AI systems. It also emphasizes the need to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in the use of AI.
3. Is the resolution legally binding?
No, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. However, they hold significance as an indicator of global opinion.
4. What are the potential risks associated with AI?
The resolution warns against the improper or malicious use of AI systems, such as in violation of international law. It highlights the need to design, develop, deploy, and use AI systems with adequate safeguards.
5. Are other countries and international organizations also developing AI regulations?
Yes, countries such as the United States, China, and the European Union, as well as international organizations like the Group of 20 nations, are actively working on developing AI rules and regulations.
Definitions:
– Artificial intelligence (AI): Refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.
– General Assembly: The main deliberative body of the United Nations, composed of representatives from all member states.
– Digital divide: The gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, particularly in terms of internet connectivity.
– Sustainable Development Goals: A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
Suggested related links:
– United Nations
– United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
– U.S. Department of State
– European Commission: Artificial Intelligence
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be