The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a landmark resolution
on the promotion of “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial
intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable
development for all.
Adopting a United States-led draft
resolution without a vote, the Assembly also highlighted
the respect, protection and promotion of human
rights in the design, development, deployment and
the use of AI.
The text was “co-sponsored”
or backed by more than 120 other Member
States.
The General Assembly also recognized AI systems’ potential to
accelerate and enable progress towards reaching the
17 Sustainable Development
Goals.
It represents the first time the Assembly has adopted a
resolution on regulating the emerging field. The US National
Security Advisor reportedly said earlier this month that the
adoption would represent an “historic step forward” for the safe
use of AI.
Same rights, online and offline
The Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders
“to refrain from 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 same rights that people have offline must also be protected
online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial
intelligence systems,” it affirmed.
The Assembly also urged all States, the private sector, civil
society, research organizations and the media, to develop and
support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks
related to safe, secure and trustworthy use of AI.
Closing the digital divide
The Assembly further recognized 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.
Hope for other sectors
Speaking before the adoption, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US
Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, introduced the
draft resolution.
She expressed hope that the “inclusive and constructive dialogue
that led to this resolution would serve as a model for future
conversations on AI challenges in other arenas, for example, with
respect to peace and security and responsible military use of AI
autonomy.”
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the resolution was designed to
amplify the work already being done by the UN, including the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and
the Human Rights Council.
“We intend for it to complement future UN initiatives, including
negotiations toward a global digital compact and the work of the
Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial
intelligence,” she said.
We govern AI
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted the opportunity and the
responsibility of the international community “to govern
this technology rather than let it govern us”.
“So let us reaffirm that AI will be created and deployed through
the lens of humanity and dignity, safety and security, human
rights and fundamental freedoms,” she said.
“Let us commit to closing the digital gap within and between
nations and using this technology to advance shared priorities
around sustainable development.”
