In a historic move, the United Nations (UN) has unanimously adopted the first-ever global resolution aimed at protecting citizens and their rights from the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite initial resistance from Russia, China, and Cuba, all 193 members of the UN eventually voted in favor of the resolution.
The resolution, which was first introduced by the US and co-sponsored by China and over 120 other nations, recognizes the potential dangers of improper development and use of AI. It encourages nations worldwide to take measures to protect their citizens and uphold their basic human rights.
The Conflict Over The Resolution
Despite the resolution’s noble intentions, not everyone was initially in agreement with the original draft. It took the US several months of negotiations and over 40 sessions to secure unanimous support. Most of the objections came from Russia, China, and Cuba, who only agreed to the resolution after their suggested edits were incorporated.
The resolution’s establishment of the US as a pioneering leader in AI development and the Biden administration’s attempts to increase its influence on intergovernmental bodies were two major points of contention. However, with the incorporation of the suggested changes, all nations, including China, Russia, and Cuba, have agreed to support the resolution.
Issues With The Resolution
While the recognition of AI’s potential risks and the steps taken to mitigate them are commendable, the resolution has been criticized for its lack of enforceability. It is non-binding and does not impose any penalties for non-compliance. This issue was also raised with the Bletchley Declaration, a historic agreement signed by the US, China, the EU, and 25 other countries aimed at reducing the risk of AI.
Despite these international agreements, many nations are independently taking action to manage the AI boom safely. For instance, President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order requiring large AI companies to share their safety tests and other important details with the government. The European Parliament also approved Europe’s AI Act, which aims to develop AI safely while protecting the fundamental rights of people and businesses.
However, without a strong penal framework, these initiatives may not be sufficient to prevent the misuse of AI. It is well-known that many countries use AI to launch cyberattacks against their adversaries. Without penalties, AI could potentially become a weapon of mass destruction.