Chinese Researchers Release AI Governance Index
Chinese researchers have released the AI Governance International Evaluation Index (AGILE), which provides a comprehensive assessment of AI governance in 14 countries. The index was jointly initiated by the Center for Long-term AI Research (CLAI) and the Center on AI Ethics and Governance of the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The AGILE index evaluates the level of governance of AI in various countries, including G7 member countries, BRICS member countries, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. It reveals that the United States and China are leading in terms of overall quantity in AI development, with China ranking in the first echelon, second only to the US, in terms of AI governance.
The index highlights that countries with high risks in AI also have relatively high levels of governance, emphasizing the importance of governance as a driving force for development. However, high-income countries are significantly ahead of BRICS countries in terms of AI development level and governance tools. Despite this, the BRICS countries have slightly higher governance effectiveness due to advantages in areas such as public trust, awareness, and inclusiveness in the development of AI.
One interesting finding from the index is the strong correlation between the level of AI governance and per capita GDP. China and India have significantly higher scores compared to their per capita GDP levels, indicating that their AI development level is higher than their economic standing. This is attributed to their better performance in public awareness and trust in AI.
While China, the US, and the UK are more advanced in AI development and governance, they also face higher pressure and challenges in AI governance compared to other countries. China needs to address certain shortcomings, such as computing power and data infrastructure, and promote differentiated development in the field of AI. Additionally, it should learn from other countries’ experiences in development and regulation, implementing governance practices aligned with its own development philosophy.
International cooperation in AI governance is crucial, as emphasized by the AGILE index. No country can solve the development and governance issues of AI alone, necessitating global collaboration. However, there are divergent opinions on global AI governance. The US has expressed caution against rival countries accessing its technology for national security and military applications, while the European Commission vice-president for values and transparency stated that China and Europe lack a common language on AI governance issues.
In the face of potential conflicts in values and regulatory models, establishing interfaces between different countries’ policies and respecting each country’s development and governance sovereignty can help address these issues. Furthermore, supporting global governance of AI with the United Nations at its core is necessary for ethical safety and governance.
The AGILE Index highlights that with the rapid growth of AI model applications, global AI risk events have increased significantly. Most of these risks are not specific to one country, making it difficult for any single country to solve them alone. By adhering to the principles of global collaboration, respecting sovereignty, and establishing common frameworks, the international community can collectively address the challenges and risks associated with AI governance.
In conclusion, the AGILE index is an important step towards evaluating and improving AI governance on a global scale. It provides valuable insights into the level of governance across different countries and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges and risks posed by AI. With continued international cooperation and the support of organizations like the United Nations, the world can work towards responsible and ethical AI development and governance.
