The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, unanimously passed the inaugural global resolution on artificial intelligence, urging nations to uphold human rights, safeguard personal data, and monitor AI for potential risks.
The nonbinding resolution, introduced by the United States and co-sponsored by China along with over 120 other countries, also promotes the reinforcement of privacy regulations.
Lauding the unanimous decision, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield remarked, “Today, all 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly have spoken in one voice, and together, chosen to govern artificial intelligence rather than let it govern us.”
This resolution marks the latest effort by governments worldwide to shape the development of AI, amid concerns that it could disrupt democratic processes, facilitate fraud, or lead to significant job losses.
The resolution highlights the potential risks associated with the improper or malicious design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In November, the United States, Britain, and several other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on ensuring the safety of artificial intelligence, advocating for AI systems to be “secure by design.” While Europe has taken a lead in AI regulation, with EU lawmakers adopting a provisional agreement this month, progress in the United States has been slower due to political polarization in Congress.
