UN adopts first global Artificial Intelligence resolution
This resolution is the most recent in a series of resolutions or policies by governments around the world to shape AI’s development
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted the first global resolution on Artificial Intelligence that endorses countries to safeguard human rights, private and personal data and monitor AI for risks.
The nonbinding resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China and over 120 other nations, also advocates the strengthening of privacy policies. This resolution is the most recent in a series of resolutions or policies by governments around the world to shape AI’s development, keeping in mind the fear of AI interfering and disrupting democratic processes, frauds and leading to drastic job losses.
“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,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
“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,” the measure says. In November, USA, UK and more than a dozen other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on how to keep artificial intelligence safe from rogue actors, pushing for companies to create AI systems that are “secure by design.”
While, the Biden administration is pushing lawmakers for regulation on AI, the highly divided US Congress has made very little progress. The White House has also sought to reduce AI risks to consumers, workers, and minorities while bolstering national security with a new executive order in October. On the other hand, EU has achieved much more with their lawmakers adopting a provisional agreement to oversee AI.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it took nearly four months to negotiate the resolution, but that it gave the world “a baseline set of principles to guide next steps in AI’s development and use.” When asked on Wednesday on whether negotiators faced resistance from Russia or China, senior administration officials said there were “lots of heated conversations,” but the administration actively engaged with countries with which it has different views.
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