U.N. backs AI safeguards
The United Nations General Assembly approved its first resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) in March 2024, giving global support to an effort to ensure the powerful technology benefits all nations, respects human rights and is “safe, secure and trustworthy.”
The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, was adopted by consensus, meaning it has the support of all 193 U.N. member nations.
“AI must be in the public interest — it must be adopted and advanced in a way that protects everyone from potential harm and ensures everyone is able to enjoy its benefits,” U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement.
Countries around the world, including the Group of 20 major industrialized nations, are also developing AI regulations. The resolution noted other U.N. efforts including by Secretary-General António Guterres and the International Telecommunication Union to ensure that AI is used to benefit the world.
The nonbinding resolution encourages all countries, regional and international organizations, tech communities, civil society, the media, academia, research institutions, and individuals “to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks” for safe AI systems.
It warns against “improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems, such as without adequate safeguards or in a manner inconsistent with international law.” The Associated Press
