The United Nations General Assembly has given its support to a resolution regarding artificial intelligence (AI), which represents the latest effort by governments around the world to shape the development of AI. The resolution, initially proposed by the United States and backed by 123 countries, including China, was unanimously adopted on March 2, indicating widespread support from all 193 member nations of the UN.
The resolution encourages countries to prioritize the protection of human rights, safeguard personal data, and monitor AI for potential risks. While many AI initiatives lack enforceability, there are concerns about the technology’s potential to disrupt democratic systems, increase fraudulent activities, and lead to significant job displacement, among other negative impacts. The resolution makes it clear that regulatory frameworks for secure AI systems need to be established.
Unlike resolutions from the Security Council, those from the UN General Assembly are not legally binding but serve as indicators of global sentiment. This resolution urges various entities, including nations, to develop these regulatory frameworks for secure AI systems. It aims to bridge the digital divide between affluent and developing nations, ensuring that the latter are included in discussions about AI. Additionally, it seeks to provide developing countries with the necessary technology and skills to leverage the advantages of AI, such as disease detection, flood prediction, agricultural support, and workforce training.
In November, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other nations enacted a comprehensive global agreement outlining measures to protect AI from malicious actors. The agreement emphasizes the importance of tech companies developing AI systems with built-in security features. The resolution also warns against the improper or malicious creation, advancement, implementation, and use of AI systems that lack adequate protections or violate international law.
Major tech companies have generally supported the need for AI regulation, while advocating for rules that are beneficial to their interests. However, the European Union (EU) lawmakers have recently given final approval to the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations, which are expected to become operational by May or June after following certain procedural steps. These regulations prohibit various technologies, including biometric surveillance, social scoring systems, predictive policing, emotion recognition, and untargeted facial recognition systems.
The White House has also taken steps to mitigate AI risks for consumers, workers, and minorities, while bolstering national security through an executive order issued in October.