On March 21, the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly made a historic decision, unanimously adopting a resolution aimed at ensuring the development of “safe, secure, and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI). With more than 120 member countries backing the U.S.-proposed initiative, the U.N. underscored widespread support for this critical endeavor.
The resolution’s primary objectives, as outlined in a report by U.S. technology magazine Wired, include bridging the digital gap among nations, advocating for the protection of personal data, fortifying privacy measures, and closely monitoring AI advancements to mitigate potential risks and uphold human rights.
Víctor Ruiz, the founder of Mexico’s SILIKN cybersecurity center, hailed the resolution’s significance during an interview with Diálogo on April 7. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive management of emerging AI technologies, recognizing their potential to deliver both benefits and harms.
The adoption of this resolution signifies a global commitment to shaping the trajectory of AI, amid concerns regarding its potential to disrupt democratic processes and facilitate financial fraud. Despite previous initiatives facing limitations, Reuters reported a persistent determination to forge a secure future for AI.
Negotiations leading to the resolution’s unanimous adoption witnessed intense deliberations and resistance from key international players such as Russia and China, according to Reuters. Ruiz expressed skepticism about these nations’ commitment to the resolution, citing their past failures to uphold international geopolitical obligations.
Ruiz highlighted the ambiguous nature of the AI issue, pointing out clandestine entities closely associated with Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and Caracas, which are advancing research tools and techniques for potential attacks. He noted the likelihood of Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela denying responsibility despite evidence suggesting otherwise, complicating international investigations and raising doubts about their level of involvement.
In response to the resolution, the U.N. Assembly urged all member states and stakeholders to refrain from deploying AI systems that violate international human rights standards or pose undue risks to human rights.
In conclusion, Ruiz stressed the importance of societal awareness and education concerning AI usage. While acknowledging its potential benefits in learning, assistance, and competitiveness, he warned against its weaponization, particularly when AI autonomously sets objectives to target interconnected systems.
Source: dialogo-americas.com
