A new United Nations report released today suggests the establishment of a global initiative to monitor and govern artificial intelligence (AI). The report, produced by the UN Secretary General’s High Level Advisory Body on AI, proposes the creation of a body similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This new entity would gather real-time information on AI and its associated risks.
The report calls for a policy dialogue on AI among the UN’s 193 member states to discuss potential risks and agree upon necessary actions. It also emphasizes the importance of empowering poorer nations, particularly those in the global south, to benefit from AI and contribute to its governance. The recommendations include the creation of an AI fund to support projects in these nations, the establishment of AI standards and data-sharing systems, and the provision of resources such as training to assist countries in AI governance.
Some of the report’s proposals could be facilitated through the existing Global Digital Compact, a plan aimed at addressing digital and data disparities between nations. Additionally, the report suggests the creation of an AI office within the UN to coordinate existing efforts and work towards achieving the report’s goals.
Alondra Nelson, a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study who served on the UN advisory body at the recommendation of the White House and State Department, highlights the international consensus on the risks and opportunities presented by AI. The rapid development of AI, exemplified by advancements in large language models and chatbots, has sparked hopes for increased economic productivity but has also raised concerns about its potential uncontrollability.
Immediate concerns regarding AI include the automation of disinformation, the generation of deepfake video and audio, mass displacement of workers, and the amplification of societal algorithmic bias. The urgency to address these issues has led to a growing interest among policymakers worldwide in regulating AI.
However, the UN’s proposals come at a time when major powers, particularly the United States and China, are competing to lead in AI. Both nations have introduced resolutions to the UN, emphasizing the importance of safe and trustworthy AI development. While all UN member states have signed these agreements, differences in values, norms, and privacy protections remain.
These divergent views on AI have already caused market divisions, with the EU implementing comprehensive AI regulations that have prompted some US companies to limit product availability. The US government’s hands-off approach has also led California to propose its own AI rules, which have faced criticism from AI companies based in the state.
Experts argue that due to the rapid evolution of AI, the UN alone will not be able to effectively manage global cooperation. They suggest a distributed architecture, with individual nations directly involved in AI governance. The UN report aims to find common ground among member states by emphasizing the importance of human rights and international law.
Chris Russell, a professor at Oxford University studying international AI governance, highlights the redundancy in governments’ efforts to evaluate AI for regulation. The UN’s collaborative approach could help avoid duplication and streamline global efforts.
While governments may view AI as a strategic advantage, many scientists share concerns about its potential risks. Recently, a group of prominent academics from the West and China issued a joint call for increased collaboration on AI safety. The success of the UN’s blueprint for cooperation will depend on how it is implemented by the organization and its member states.