The United Nations General Assembly has on Thursday, unanimously agreed to adopt what is being hailed as the first global resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to Reuters.
The resolution, aimed at safeguarding personal data, enhancing privacy policies, monitoring AI risks, and upholding human rights, received widespread support from member states.
Originating from a proposal put forth by the United States, and backed by China along with 121 other countries, the resolution marks a significant milestone in international efforts to regulate AI technologies. Despite being a nonbinding agreement, the resolution is being perceived as a crucial step towards establishing ethical guidelines for the development of AI systems worldwide.
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Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith expressed full support for the UN’s adoption of the resolution, stating, “The consensus reached today marks a critical step towards establishing international guardrails for the ethical and sustainable development of AI, ensuring this technology serves the needs of everyone.”
Negotiated over three months, the resolution titled “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development,” reflects a consensus among stakeholders on the importance of aligning AI development with ethical principles and human rights.
“We’re sailing in choppy waters with the fast-changing technology, which means that it’s more important than ever to steer by the light of our values,” one senior US administration official told Reuters, highlighting the significance of this “first-ever truly global consensus document on AI.”
Adoption by consensus in the UN signifies a unanimous agreement among member states to adopt the resolution without a vote, though certain reservations may still exist regarding specific elements of the text.
“Consensus is reached when all Member States agree on a text, but it does not mean that they all agree on every element of a draft document,” writes the UN in a FAQ found online. “They can agree to adopt a draft resolution without a vote, but still have reservations about certain parts of the text.”
Despite anticipation of resistance from nations like Russia and China, US officials noted successful engagement and collaboration during the negotiation process. However, US officials acknowledged the presence of “lots of heated conversations” during the negotiation process, according to Reuters. The draft resolution strikes a delicate balance between promoting AI development and safeguarding human rights.
While this UN agreement marks the first truly global effort on AI regulation, it follows other international initiatives such as the Bletchley Declaration signed by 28 nations and agreements focusing on secure AI systems unveiled by the US, Britain, and others.
In Europe, efforts to regulate AI are progressing with provisional agreements, while the US government remains divided on legislative action related to AI regulation, with the Biden administration advocating for measures to mitigate risks while enhancing national security.
The adoption of the UN resolution signals a collective commitment by the international community to harness the benefits of AI technology while mitigating its potential risks, setting a precedent for future global cooperation in the field of emerging technologies.