The upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly is set to tackle the escalating impact of artificial intelligence (ai) on a global scale. The Assembly is convening to deliberate upon a proposed resolution, which aims to establish an international framework for governing the development and deployment of ai technologies. This resolution, co-sponsored by numerous countries, underscores the significance of creating guidelines to ensure the safety, security, and trustworthiness of ai systems.
Positive Potential and Concerns
The draft resolution, primarily driven by the United States, focuses on promoting responsible ai development and deployment while excluding military ai from its purview. It emphasizes the importance of equitable access to ai in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has emphasized the urgency for collective action due to the rapid advancement of ai technologies.
Addressing Misuse and Digital Divides
Despite the potential benefits, the resolution acknowledges the threats posed by ai when misused. These risks include human rights violations, reinforcement of prejudices, and data protection concerns. The resolution calls upon member states to avoid implementing ai systems that infringe upon international human rights laws or pose undue risks to human rights enjoyment.
Generative ai Tools and Disinformation
Moreover, the resolution highlights growing apprehensions regarding generative ai tools and their potential to spread disinformation, particularly in the context of election interference. The resolution’s emphasis on international collaboration underscores the need for addressing these challenges collectively.
UN Secretary-General’s Advocacy for Regulation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been a vocal advocate for ai regulation and has proposed the establishment of a UN entity similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency to oversee its governance. Guterres emphasizes the importance of addressing biases in ai technologies, particularly those designed predominantly by men, which may perpetuate inequalities and disregard women’s rights. He also emphasizes the need for inclusive and unbiased ai development.
Competition Among Nations
Various UN member states, including the United States, China, and South Korea, are actively shaping ai governance. In October 2022, the White House unveiled regulations aimed at positioning the US as a leader in ai regulation. However, competition among nations to take the lead in the discourse on ai governance underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
Collaborative Global Efforts
As the UN General Assembly prepares to discuss the resolution, the global community faces crucial decisions regarding ai regulation and governance. It is essential to acknowledge ai’s transformative potential while addressing concerns surrounding its responsible use and mitigating risks to human rights and societal well-being. Establishing international standards for safe and trustworthy ai represents a vital step towards harnessing technology’s benefits while safeguarding against potential pitfalls.
This collaborative approach to navigating the evolving landscape of ai will be crucial in ensuring its alignment with transparency, accountability, and inclusivity principles.
