United Nations Adopts Resolution on Artificial Intelligence

(Patria) - The UN General Assembly yesterday adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) to promote the protection of personal data, AI oversight, and human rights, US officials said.

The non-binding resolution, proposed by the US and co-sponsored by 122 other countries, was negotiated for three months and also provides for enhanced privacy, officials said at a press briefing ahead of the resolution's adoption.

"We are navigating turbulent waters with rapidly changing technology, which means it is more important than ever to steer in light of our values," said one senior US administration official.

He described the resolution as "the first-ever document of truly global consensus on artificial intelligence".

The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives being undertaken by governments around the world to shape the development of artificial intelligence due to fears that it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, commit fraud, or lead to dramatic job losses.

"Inadequate or malicious design, development, implementation, and use of artificial intelligence systems pose risks that could undermine the protection, promotion, and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms," the resolution states.

When asked if negotiators faced resistance from Russia or China, which also voted for the resolution, officials acknowledged there were "a lot of spirited discussions".

"However, we actively collaborated with China, Russia, Cuba, and other countries that often disagree with us.

We believe the resolution strikes the right balance between promoting development and continuing to protect human rights," one official said anonymously.