UNESCO has called on countries to implement its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence immediately, following calls from over 1,000 tech workers to pause the training of the most powerful AI systems, which was backed by big names in tech such as Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and more.
The organization's global normative framework was unanimously adopted by all 193 Member States, providing the necessary safeguards for the ethical use of AI amid the rise of popular AI tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT.
BEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 18: A boy points to the AI robot Poster during the 2022 World Robot Conference at Beijing Etrong International Exhibition on August 18, 2022, in Beijing, China. The 2022 World Robot Conference kicked off on Thursday in Beijing.
Maximizing the Benefits of AI
The framework provides guidance to countries on how to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks it entails. It contains values and principles, as well as detailed policy recommendations in all relevant areas of the industry.
The framework gives member states pointers on how to enhance AI's positive effects while lowering its hazards. It includes values and principles as well as comprehensive policy suggestions in all pertinent areas.
In particular, UNESCO is worried about discrimination and stereotyping, gender inequality, disinformation, privacy rights, the security of personal data, and human and environmental rights that may arise from using AI.
According to the organization, industry self-regulation is insufficient to prevent these ethical problems, which is why the Recommendation offers tools to make sure AI technologies uphold the law and do no harm.
Additionally, it guarantees that people impacted have access to channels for responsibility and restitution.
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Readiness Assessment Tool
The recommendations include a Readiness Assessment tool that enables nations to identify the workforce competencies and skills necessary to support effective regulation of the AI sector.
Governments are obligated to submit periodic reports every four years detailing their practices and accomplishments in the field of artificial intelligence.
More than 40 nations are currently collaborating with UNESCO to create national AI checks and balances.
The organization is urging all nations to join the movement and create an ethical AI. In December 2023, Slovenia will host the UNESCO International Conference on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. A progress report will be presented during the event.
"The world needs stronger ethical rules for artificial intelligence: this is the challenge of our time. UNESCO's Recommendation on the ethics of AI sets the appropriate normative framework," Audrey Azoulay, the organization's Director-General, said in a press release statement.
"Our Member States all endorsed this Recommendation in November 2021. It is high time to implement the strategies and regulations at the national level. We have to walk the talk and ensure we deliver on the Recommendation's objectives."
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