Historic vote at UN General Assembly on US-led AI resolution
The draft resolution recognises the unprecedented acceleration of AI development and use and stresses the urgency of achieving global consensus on secure and trustworthy AI systems.
It also aims to close the digital divide between developed and developing countries and ensure that developing countries have the technology and capabilities to take advantage of AI’s benefits.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is voting on Thursday, 21 March 2024, on the first resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), which aims to make it ‘safe, secure, and trustworthy.’
The resolution was put forth by the US and 54 co-sponsors, with hopes that all 193 UN member states would vote to adopt it.
The draft resolution recognises the unprecedented acceleration of AI development and use and stresses the urgency of achieving global consensus on secure and trustworthy AI systems.
It also aims to close the digital divide between developed and developing countries and ensure that developing countries have the technology and capabilities to take advantage of AI’s benefits.
Why does it matter?
For the first time, the UN-level resolution urges all countries, regional and international organisations, tech communities, civil society, the media, academia, research institutions, and individuals to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks for safe AI systems.
The text presented to the UNGA cautions against inappropriate or malicious design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems without adequate safeguards or in a manner inconsistent with international law. The resolution also stresses the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms through the life cycle of AI systems.
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