2024-09-19 05:34:53
“Unchecked, the risks posed by artificial intelligence can have serious implications for democracy, peace and stability,” said the authors of a report.
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the associated risks cannot be ignored “to the whims» market, UN experts warned on Thursday that they are asking for international cooperation tools without going to a global governing body.
Almost a year ago, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres set up this committee of about forty experts in the field of technology, law and personal data protection, from the academic world, governments or even the private sector such as Microsoft, Google- . Alphabet and OpenAI. Their final report, published a few days before the “Conference for the Future” in New York, pointedly noted the “deficiency in global governance in matters of AI”, and the virtual exclusion of developing countries from discussions on the subject. – present tense.
Therefore, of the 193 countries of the UN, only seven are part of the seven major initiatives linked to the management of AI (within the framework of the OECD, G20 or the European Council), and 118 are completely absent, even from countries the south However, the very “cross-border” nature of these technologies “requires a global approach”, stressed the committee. “AI must serve humanity fairly and safely,” Antonio Guterres reiterated this week. “If left unchecked, the dangers posed by artificial intelligence can have serious implications for democracy, peace and stability.”
“Terror” the role of governments
In this context, the committee of experts calls on the UN member states to provide the tools available for better international cooperation, encourage the progress of humanity and avoid slippage. Because “no one” can predict the evolution of these technologies today and those who make decisions are not accountable for the development and use of systems “that they do not understand”. In these circumstances, “the development, implementation and use of such technology cannot be left only to the wishes of the markets,” they stressed, stressing the “important” role of governments and local organizations.
The first tool suggests, the creation of an international group of scientific experts on AI, supported by the model of the UN climate experts (IPCC) whose reports are referenced in the case. These scientists will shed light to the global community on emerging risks, areas where additional research is needed or identify how certain technologies can help meet the Sustainable Development Goals (elimination of hunger , poverty, gender equality, climate …). This idea was raised in the Global Digital Compact document, which is still under discussion, which must be accepted on Sunday by the 193 UN member states during the “Future Conference”. Experts also suggest the establishment of a regular intergovernmental dialogue on the subject and financing to help the lagging countries.
Avoid being “surprised”
To act as a “glue” between different tools, they called for the establishment of a fire system within the UN secretariat. On the other hand, they do not support the idea of a full-fledged international agency, specifically mentioned by Antonio Guterres, on the example of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Although their mandate requires them to explore this possibility, “we do not recommend at this stage the establishment of such an agency.” “If AI risks become more important, and more focused, it may become necessary for member states to consider a more robust international institution, with monitoring, reporting, verification and enforcement powers, ” they were angry.
Even if they consider that taking a complete list of risks is a “lost cause” in a sector that develops at a rapid rate of evolution which no one can predict, they nevertheless list one identified risk: the recession which it threatens democracy, the deep self (especially sex). ), violations of human rights, autonomous weapons, use by criminals or terrorist groups … “Given the speed, freedom and vulnerability of AI systems, waiting for the emergence of danger may mean that it is too late to answer,” they agreed, counting on constant scientific research and political change so that “the world wouldn’t be surprised.”
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