UN sets ethical AI standards to protect human rights

On Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence.

The resolution 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 U.N. 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. There are fears it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, turbocharge fraud, or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms.

The measure says, "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."

In November, the U.S., Britain, and more than a dozen other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on how to keep AI safe from rogue actors, pushing for companies to create AI systems that are "secure by design."

Europe is ahead of the U.S., 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.

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 negotiating the resolution took nearly four months 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 worldwide, Chinese and Russian officials are eagerly exploring the use of AI tools for various 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.

Source: Newsroom