The UN General Assembly has recently passed a groundbreaking resolution aimed at promoting the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This resolution, put forward by the United States and supported by 120 member countries, was unanimously adopted without the need for a vote.
For the first time, the Assembly has taken a concrete step towards regulating the rapidly evolving field of AI. US Vice President Kamala Harris applauded the resolution as a significant move towards establishing clear international standards for AI, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of AI systems.
The resolution calls on all Member States to refrain from using AI systems that violate international human rights laws or pose excessive risks to individual rights. It also emphasizes the need to protect online rights in a manner consistent with offline rights, underscoring the importance of upholding human rights throughout the life cycle of AI systems.
Furthermore, the resolution urges collaboration among nations, the private sector, civil society, research organizations, and the media to develop regulatory frameworks for the responsible and secure use of AI. It recognizes the varying levels of technological advancement worldwide and calls for support for developing nations to ensure equitable access to AI technology and enhance digital literacy.
In a related development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s significant potential in AI technology during the ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ event. He stressed the importance of seizing opportunities in the field of AI and highlighted key initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission, India AI Mission, and Semiconductor Mission aimed at empowering the country’s youth in this cutting-edge technology.
The resolution’s approval was commended by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for providing a comprehensive framework for countries to address the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. The document sets out a roadmap for international cooperation on AI, focusing on promoting equitable access, managing risks, protecting privacy, preventing misuse, and addressing issues such as bias and discrimination.
In parallel efforts to regulate AI, the European Parliament recently passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, aiming to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding citizen rights within the European Union. The global push towards establishing guidelines for the safe and responsible use of AI underscores the growing importance of ethical standards in the development and deployment of AI technologies worldwide.
