UN releases report on global AI governance

An artificial intelligence advisory body at the United Nations (UN) on Thursday released its final report proposing seven recommendations to address AI-related risks and gaps in governance.

Titled "Governing AI for Humanity," the report outlines a framework for ensuring that AI development and deployment align with human rights, ethical considerations and sustainable development goals.

Last year, the organization created a 39-member advisory body to address issues in the international governance of AI. The recommendations will be discussed during a UN summit to be held later this month.

In a video message accompanying the report's release, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the significance of this document, stating, "This report is not an end but a key milestone in our ongoing work to ensure that artificial intelligence serves the common good and benefits humanity."

The report calls for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations, to create a global AI governance system that is inclusive, transparent and accountable. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in setting standards and norms for AI, as well as the need for robust mechanisms to address the challenges posed by AI, such as bias, privacy concerns and the potential for job displacement.

It also recommended a new policy dialogue on AI governance, creating an AI standards exchange and a global AI capacity development network to boost governance capacities.

Among other proposals, the UN wants a global AI fund to be established, which would address gaps in capacity and collaboration. It also advocates the formation of a global AI data framework to ensure transparency and accountability.

With the development of AI in the hands of a few multinational companies, there is a danger that the technology could be imposed on people without them having a say in how it is used, the UN said in a statement.

Finally, the UN report proposed setting up a small AI office to support and coordinate the implementation of these proposals.

(With input from Reuters.)