The United Nations General Assembly approved a landmark resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) Thursday, marking the first-ever UN resolution on this topic. Sponsored by the United States, the resolution received unanimous support from all 193 member nations without a vote. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan hailed the adoption of the resolution as a “historic step forward” in ensuring the safe and responsible use of AI technology.

The resolution aims to address key aspects of AI development, including ensuring that AI benefits all nations, upholds human rights, and is “safe, secure and trustworthy.” It emphasizes the urgent need for global consensus on the safe deployment of AI systems and acknowledges the evolving nature of AI governance, calling for further discussions on governance approaches.

Furthermore, the resolution seeks to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries, ensuring that all nations have access to AI technology and capabilities. It underscores the potential of AI to address global challenges such as disease detection, disaster prediction, agricultural improvement, and workforce training.

While big tech companies generally support the need for AI regulation, the resolution also highlights the importance of safeguarding against the improper or malicious use of AI systems. It calls on countries, international organizations, tech communities, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop and support regulatory frameworks for safe AI systems.

Overall, the resolution signals a significant milestone in the international effort to regulate AI and leverage its potential for global benefit. It reflects the growing recognition of AI’s impact on society and underscores the importance of collaboration and cooperation in shaping its responsible development and deployment.

Source: PTI

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