UN adopts first global artificial intelligence resolution

The resolution encourages countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed a resolution concerning artificial intelligence (AI). The resolution represents the most recent effort among various government initiatives worldwide aimed at influencing the development of AI. 

The resolution — initiated by the United States and backed by 123 countries, including China — was unanimously adopted on March 2, signifying widespread support across all 193 U.N. member nations.

The resolution encourages countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

While many AI initiatives lack enforceability, concerns persist regarding the technology’s potential to disrupt democratic systems, exacerbate fraudulent activities, or result in significant job displacements, among other potential negative impacts. The resolution states:

“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.”

Unlike Security Council resolutions, those from the U.N. General Assembly are not legally binding, serving instead as indicators of global sentiment. This resolution urges various entities, including nations, to foster regulatory frameworks for secure AI systems.

The resolution seeks to bridge the digital gap between affluent nations and less affluent developing ones, ensuring their inclusion in AI discussions.

It also strives to equip developing countries with the necessary technology and skills to leverage AI advantages, such as disease detection, flood prediction, agricultural support and workforce training.

In November, the United States, the United Kingdom and over a dozen other nations made a comprehensive global pact outlining measures to safeguard AI from malicious actors. The agreement emphasizes the need for tech companies to develop AI systems with inherent security features.

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The resolution warns against the “improper or malicious creation, advancement, implementation, and use of artificial intelligence systems, lacking adequate protections or violating international law.”

Meanwhile, major tech firms have generally endorsed the necessity of AI regulation while advocating to ensure that any rules are advantageous to their interests.

However, European Union lawmakers granted ultimate approval to the world’s inaugural comprehensive AI regulations on March 13. Following some procedural steps, these rules are anticipated to become operational by May or June.

The EU regulations prohibit several technologies, including biometric surveillance, social scoring systems, predictive policing, “emotion recognition” and untargeted facial recognition systems.

The White House also aimed to mitigate AI risks for consumers, workers and minorities while enhancing national security through a new executive order issued in October.

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