UN Adopts First Global AI Resolution, Stresses Safe Use

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the very first global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

Reuters reported that the nonbinding resolution proposed by the United States, China, and 120 other member nations was approved on Thursday (Mar. 21).

"Today, all 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly have spoken in one voice, and together, chosen to govern artificial intelligence rather than let it govern us," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.

She also told the Associated Press that she believed that the world's nations came together partly because AI technology "is moving so fast that people don't have a sense of what is happening and how it will impact them, particularly for countries in the developing world."

"They want to know that this technology will be available for them to take advantage of it in the future, so this resolution gives them that confidence," she added. "It's just the first step. I'm not overplaying it, but it's an important first step."

The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives by governments around the world to shape AI development amid fears that it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, turbocharge fraud, or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms.

The UN measure read in part, "The improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems ... pose risks that could ... undercut the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms."

In November, the US, the UK, and several other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on how to keep AI safe from rogue actors, pushing companies to create AI systems that are "secure by design."

Lawmakers from the European Union adopted a provisional agreement this month to oversee the technology. The Biden administration urged Congress to develop similar AI legislation, but to no avail due to the polarization in Capitol Hill.

Nevertheless, in October, the White House issued a new executive order to reduce AI risks to consumers, workers, and minorities while bolstering national security.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the resolution was negotiated over nearly four months but gave the world "a baseline set of principles to guide next steps in AI's development and use."

Asked on Wednesday (Mar. 20) whether negotiators faced resistance from Russia or China, senior administration officials said there were "lots of heated conversations," but the administration actively engaged with countries with which it has different views.

Moscow and Beijing are at the forefront of pushing the envelope of AI use for multiple purposes.

Last month, Microsoft said it had caught hackers from both countries and North Korea using Microsoft-backed OpenAI software to hone their espionage skills. In response to the Microsoft report, China said it opposes what it called groundless accusations, while Russia did not respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that the resolution was a step forward toward safer AI use.

"AI must be in the public interest - it must be adopted and advanced in a way that protects everyone from potential harm and ensures everyone is able to enjoy its benefits," she said.