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UN votes in favour of resolution backing safe use of AI

“Safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems” at the heart of the US-led international resolution.

user icon David Hollingworth
Fri, 22 Mar 2024
UN votes in favour of resolution backing safe use of AI
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The United Nations has voted unanimously in favour of adopting a first-of-its-kind resolution supporting the safe and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence.

Over 120 countries voted in favour of the US-brokered, non-binding resolution, which aims to promote “safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems”, while also holding the resolution’s signatories to account for any human rights abuses through the misuse of AI.

The resolution also recognises the dangers of undermining data integrity and introducing biases into AI models.

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The United States ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that while building a consensus was hard work, the outcome was worth it.

“All of this work culminated in what we just saw today – a first-of-its-kind resolution, adopted not only by majority, but by consensus,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.

“Because ultimately, the risks and benefits of AI have the potential to impact all of us, and so, approaching it requires all of us.

“The resolution we just adopted reflected our shared responsibility, and collective fate. It leaves no one behind. It lays the groundwork for AI systems that leave no one behind, either.

“Among other things, this resolution reaffirms that we must focus on capacity building, and close digital divides within and between countries so that everyone can benefit from AI.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed the resolution as a “landmark effort”.

“This consensus revolution, developed with direct inputs from more than 120 countries and co-sponsored by more than 120 member states from every region, is a landmark effort and a first-of-its kind global approach to the government and the use of this powerful emerging technology,” Blinken said.

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.

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