UN Seeks to Build Consensus on ‘Safe, Secure and Trustworthy’ AI
The United Nations is making significant strides to influence global policy on artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the development of policy and technical standards that ensure AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy.
Formation of Expert Panels
Recently, the UN finalized plans to establish a new Independent Scientific Panel on AI, comprising 40 international experts who will serve three-year terms. This panel aims to foster a balanced geographic representation to enhance scientific understanding of the risks and impacts associated with AI technologies.
Additionally, the UN launched the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. This initiative seeks to unite governments, businesses, and experts to facilitate discussions on international cooperation, share best practices, and promote inclusive exchanges regarding AI governance. The primary task of this dialogue will be the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.
Moving from Principles to Practice
According to Secretary-General António Guterres, these actions are intended to help the UN transition “from principles to practice,” positioning the organization as a crucial platform for shaping AI policy and standards globally.
This initiative also aims to create international consensus on critical issues such as AI system energy consumption, the technology’s effects on the human workforce, and strategies to prevent its misuse for malicious purposes or the oppression of citizens.
Complementing Existing Efforts
Guterres emphasized that the UN’s initiatives will complement ongoing efforts by various organizations, including the OECD, the G7, and regional bodies, providing a stable and inclusive framework for AI governance coordination.
He stated, “In short, this is about creating a space where governments, industry, and civil society can advance common solutions together.”
AI’s Integral Role in Society
Guterres highlighted the necessity of governing AI’s transformation, stating, “The question is no longer whether AI will transform our world – it already is. The question is whether we will govern this transformation together – or let it govern us.”
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the ambitious goals, experts have noted the UN’s limited authority to enforce policies. Pavlina Pavova, a cyber policy expert at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, remarked that the UN has built a foundation for substantive discussions around AI, but its new formats are largely consultative and lack enforcement power.
James Lewis, a senior adviser at the Center for European Policy Analysis, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that while the UN’s efforts may have limited impact, they are crucial in addressing the AI industry’s inability to assess risk effectively. He noted that involving policymakers with real stakes in the outcomes could lead to better solutions.
Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives
The inclusion of perspectives from countries with lower AI adoption rates is viewed as essential. Tiffany Saade, a technology expert and AI policy consultant, emphasized the importance of trust, particularly for nations with fewer technological resources. She underscored that any fruitful ideas emerging from the UN’s discussions must incorporate real incentives to encourage compliance with recommended policies without stifling innovation.
In conclusion, the UN’s initiatives represent a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive framework for the governance of AI, aiming to balance innovation with safety and societal trust.
