news.un.org
2024-09-22
The imperative for global regulation of the booming artificial intelligence field, or AI, is "irrefutable", a new report from a UN expert group said on Thursday, adding that development and use of such a technology "cannot be left to the whims of markets alone".
"The very nature of the technology itself - transboundary in structure and application - necessitates a global approach," the final report from the UN Secretary-General appointed panel concludes.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world, from opening new areas of scientific inquiry and optimizing energy grids, to improving public health and agriculture and promoting progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, while there is tremendous potential for good, left ungoverned, the benefits of AI could be limited to only a handful of pioneering States, companies and individuals, widening the digital divide and inequality.
In an effort to mitigate these risks, the report proposes several recommendations to establish a framework for AI global governance.