UN adopts first global artificial intelligence resolution
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[March 22, 2024]
By Alexandra Alper
(Reuters) -The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday unanimously
adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence that
encourages countries to safeguard human rights, protect 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.
"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 resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives - few of which
carry teeth - by governments around the world to shape AI's development,
amid fears it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, turbocharge
fraud or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms.
"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, the U.S., Britain 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."
Europe is ahead of the United States, with EU lawmakers adopting a
provisional agreement this month to oversee the technology. The Biden
administration has been pressing lawmakers for AI regulation, but a
polarized U.S. Congress has made little headway.
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The United Nations building is pictured in New York City, U.S.,
February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
In the meantime, the White House sought to reduce AI risks to
consumers, workers, and minorities while bolstering national
security with a new executive order in October.
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."
Asked on Wednesday 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.
Like governments around the world, Chinese and Russian officials are
eagerly exploring the use of AI tools for a variety of purposes.
Last month, Microsoft said it had caught hackers from both countries
using Microsoft-backed OpenAI software to hone their espionage
skills.
In response to the Microsoft report, China has said it opposes what
it called groundless accusations while Russia did not respond to a
request for comment.
(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Jonathan
Oatis and Edwina Gibbs)
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