UN Adopts First Global Artificial Intelligence Resolution

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the first-ever global resolution on artificial intelligence. The resolution urges nations to prioritize safeguarding human rights, protecting personal data, and monitoring AI for potential risks.^[1]  

Introduced by the US and supported by co-sponsorship from China and over 120 other nations, the nonbinding resolution also advocates for the reinforcement of privacy policies.

This resolution reflects growing international efforts to shape the development of AI amid concerns about its potential negative impacts. These concerns include its potential to disrupt democratic processes, facilitate fraud, or lead to significant job losses.

In November, the US, Britain, and several other countries revealed the first detailed international agreement aimed at ensuring the safety of artificial intelligence from misuse by malicious actors. This agreement emphasizes the importance of designing AI systems with security in mind.^[2]

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

While Europe has taken proactive steps, such as adopting a provisional agreement to regulate the technology, the US has faced challenges in enacting AI regulations due to political polarization within Congress.

In response to the need for AI regulation, the Biden administration issued an executive order in October aimed at reducing AI-related risks to consumers, workers, and minority groups while strengthening national security.