The United Nations is Paying Close Attention to Artificial Intelligence

One of the many tasks undertaken by the United Nations is to protect human rights around the globe while also working to develop more sustainable and climate-friendly development. As such, the UN has recently taken an interest in the development of artificial intelligence, hoping to create guidelines that allow us to get the most value out of AI without creating more significant problems.

Listed below are some of their recent efforts to mitigate AI's pitfalls while taking advantage of its benefits.

What Has the United Nations Done Regarding AI?

The UN Has Created a Report of Policy Recommendations for Governing AI

After spending considerable time deliberating over its contents, an advisory body within the UN released “Governing AI for Humanity.” This 100-page report covers AI in a way that likely hasn’t been examined before… at least, not in this much depth or for an initiative on a global scale like this. 

Let’s go on an abbreviated run-through of what Governing AI for Humanity contains to appreciate better what the UN is attempting to do.

What Governing AI for Humanity Outlines

There is obviously too much included in the report to cover here entirely, but we’ll touch on the more significant points.

Naturally, Governing AI for Humanity Outlines What is Needed for Global Governance and Cooperation

According to the document's executive summary, AI is truly a global issue, with the physical resources needed to create the technology’s infrastructure and the data that trains it coming from all four corners of the world. This creates a slew of issues, from increased wealth and power imbalance to the lack of accountability amongst those using it.

The UN’s conclusion regarding these issues is that a laissez-faire approach controlled by the markets or even individual governments cannot prevail. Instead, global governance is needed to encourage innovation and minimize the unpleasant impacts that AI can have if abused.

As the authors put it:

“AI, therefore, presents challenges and opportunities that require a holistic, global approach cutting transversally across political, economic, social, ethical, human rights, technical, environmental and other domains. Such an approach can turn a patchwork of evolving initiatives into a coherent, interoperable whole, grounded in international law and the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], adaptable across contexts and over time.”

It Also Covers Where the Biggest Gaps Are

Interestingly, the report identifies that hundreds of frameworks and guides have been put together to help govern AI… despite little progress to create a globalized approach, with many countries being left out of the conversation entirely.

The UN’s advisory body earmarks these tendencies as major issues that diminish AI’s potential for equity. Thus, AI governance needs to be designed to incorporate global viewpoints and boost inclusion worldwide. It also needs to mitigate any efforts to use the technology to create political strife and ensure it remains safely accessible to all.

The UN uses the word “accountability,” and it is appropriate. Based on the organization’s findings, just seven countries are currently participating in governance efforts, while 118 are left out entirely. By identifying these shortcomings, more direct steps can be taken to resolve them.

Finally, Governing AI for Humanity Lays Out a Plan for “Enhancing Global Cooperation”

With all these insights, the UN developed a series of best practices around using AI as development continues in the future. These practices are as follows:

Develop an international scientific panel on AI.
The UN recommends that an assortment of multidisciplinary experts be formed into an international panel to lead the dialogue on different AI governance policies.

Shape AI governance.
This group would be expected to share IT governance measures and promote their understanding to the average person and authority figures.

Share AI Standards
The UN has also established that groups of people sourced from different professions and specialties will be charged with creating standards against which to judge future AI projects. 

Create a Capacity Development Network
To help organize and support these activities, the UN would create centers to allow users everywhere to contribute to AI’s practical use and development.

Establish a Global Fund for AI
To level the playing field, a global fund would be created to create networks usable by those who lack the economic resources to do so independently, complete with data sets and the training needed to use them.

Create a Global Framework for AI Data
In addition to creating standards that all AI training data must uphold to maximize inclusivity and diversity, the UN proposes that this data be sharable for advancement and accountability. 

Establish an AI Office in the UN
The UN has also proposed that it create an office to assist with creating and maintaining the caliber of its AI framework and consult and coordinate with the Secretary-General and the whole of the UN to keep everyone on the same page.

This is a fraction of what the report covers, and we recommend that you read over it all.

What Does This Have to Do With My Business?

A few things, really.

First, the UN is in charge of developing international law, so if things suddenly change and your business doesn’t keep up, penalties may be on the table. Second, if you fail to keep up with any changes and advancements the UN standardizes, you could quickly fall behind… and no one likes playing catch-up.

Fortunately, businesses in Metro Washington, DC area have a resource to help them with all things technology: Macro Systems. Give us a call at 703-359-9211 to find out how we can help you keep up with change that could involve your business.