G7 Agrees on 11-point Code of Conduct for AI, Setting International Standards
The Group of Seven nations (G7) has reached a consensus on an 11-point code of conduct for companies involved in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The code, established through the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP) at the G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, aims to establish international standards for trustworthy AI.
In response to the rapid advancements in AI technology and the accompanying concerns over security and privacy, the HAP will work closely with organizations including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). This collaboration seeks to build upon the existing OECD AI principles and develop a living document that will outline guiding principles for AI actors.
The code of conduct emphasizes that AI actors should take appropriate measures throughout the entire process of designing, developing, deploying, and using advanced AI systems. This includes adhering to international technical standards and implementing controls and audits for data input. Furthermore, companies are encouraged to publicly report the capabilities, limitations, and appropriate and inappropriate domains of use for their advanced AI systems. Responsible information sharing and incident reporting are also considered important aspects of AI governance.
To ensure the security and reliability of advanced AI systems, stakeholders are urged to invest in robust security controls. Additionally, the development, implementation, and disclosure of AI governance and risk management policies are essential for responsible AI practices. As an additional measure, techniques such as watermarking can be employed to help users identify content generated by AI systems.
While the European Union has taken a proactive approach to regulate AI through its AI Act, other countries such as Japan, the United States, and nations in Southeast Asia have adopted a more relaxed stance. The code of conduct is seen as a temporary measure until comprehensive regulations are put in place. European Commission digital chief, Vera Jourova, believes that this code will act as a bridge towards future regulation.
It is worth noting that the United Nations (UN) has also announced the creation of an advisory body for international AI governance, further highlighting the global efforts to establish ethical and accountable AI practices.
By agreeing to the 11-point code of conduct, the G7 countries are taking a significant step towards harmonizing AI development and usage practices at an international level. As AI continues to expand its influence across various industries, setting standards and guidelines is imperative to ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of this transformative technology.
