The United Nations advisory body has emphasized the urgent need for global governance of artificial intelligence, asserting that the evolution of AI should not be left to market forces alone.
The High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence highlighted in its recent report that while national governments will be vital in regulating AI, the technology’s borderless nature calls for an international approach.
According to the 39-member panel, “The rapid advancement of AI consolidates power and wealth on a global scale, carrying significant geopolitical and economic consequences.” They noted that the complexities of AI systems are not fully understood, making it challenging to control their outputs or anticipate their development. Additionally, there is a lack of accountability among decision-makers for the development and use of systems they do not comprehend.
The advisory body, established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October, provided seven recommendations aimed at enhancing AI governance. Key among these is the creation of an AI data framework to improve transparency and accountability, as well as the establishment of a fund to assist developing countries in leveraging advancements in AI technology.
The panel acknowledged that many nations encounter financial and resource limitations that hinder their ability to effectively implement AI. It stated, “Even with capacity development efforts, some may still struggle to access necessary training, computational resources, models, and training data without international assistance.”
However, the advisory body refrained from suggesting the formation of a new international agency to oversee AI’s development and deployment. They noted that should the risks associated with AI intensify and become more centralized, it might become essential for member states to contemplate the establishment of a more robust international institution equipped with monitoring, reporting, verification, and enforcement capabilities.
Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, discussions regarding the potential risks and benefits of AI have intensified, highlighting the need for proactive governance in this rapidly evolving field.
