Updated : March 22, 2024, 12:14 AM IST
- The United Nations General Assembly unanimously passes a landmark resolution on artificial intelligence (AI).
- The resolution calls on countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for potential risks.
- It marks a significant step towards international cooperation in governing AI technologies.
The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted the first-ever global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), signaling a concerted effort by nations worldwide to address the challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology. The resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China along with over 120 other nations, underscores the importance of safeguarding human rights, protecting personal data, and monitoring AI for potential risks.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, hailed the adoption of the resolution as a pivotal moment in global governance, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to regulate AI technologies. “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,” she stated.
The resolution, although nonbinding, carries significant symbolic weight and represents a crucial step towards establishing a framework for the responsible development and deployment of AI systems. It advocates for the strengthening of privacy policies and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that AI technologies adhere to ethical principles and respect fundamental human rights.
Acknowledging the potential risks associated with AI, the resolution highlights the need to address concerns related to the design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems. It warns against the improper or malicious utilization of AI, which could undermine the protection and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
This resolution is part of a broader global effort to shape the future of AI technology and mitigate its potential negative impacts. In recent years, governments around the world have taken various initiatives to regulate AI, amidst growing concerns about its disruptive potential and ethical implications.
While some countries, such as those in the European Union, have taken proactive steps to regulate AI and protect consumer rights, others, including the United States, have faced challenges in enacting comprehensive AI legislation due to political polarization.
However, the adoption of this resolution represents a significant milestone in international cooperation on AI governance. It provides a baseline set of principles to guide countries in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of AI technology, ensuring that it serves the interests of humanity while minimizing potential risks and harms.
As AI continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of society, the need for robust and inclusive governance mechanisms becomes increasingly apparent. The UN’s adoption of this resolution marks a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and charting a course towards a more ethical and responsible AI future.
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