UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the first global resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to encourage protecting personal data, monitoring AI for risks, and safeguarding human rights.
The nonbinding resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China and over 120 other nations, also advocated the strengthening of privacy policies.
The Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders to refrain or cease the use of Artificial Intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.
The Assembly further recognised the “varying levels” of technological development between and within countries, and that developing nations face unique challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation.
It urged Member States and stakeholders to cooperate with and support developing countries so they can benefit from inclusive and equitable access, close the digital divide, and increase digital literacy.
Linda Thomas Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated, “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.”
The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives 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.