The resolution avoids contentious areas of AI governance, such as military applications, and does not obligate countries to enforce a specific set of rules. Despite the significant role of private companies in AI development, the draft resolution only encourages the private sector to follow relevant local and international laws on AI. The US's efforts to lead global AI governance contrast with its struggles to regulate the industry domestically. The resolution is seen as a strategic move by the US to counter China's rising influence in the field.
Key takeaways:
- The United States is leading a United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence, aiming to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems and advance a shared approach to the technology.
- The resolution is co-sponsored by more than 50 countries and urges all 193 member states of the UN to endorse effective safeguards for the use of AI and ensure its development is responsible and inclusive.
- The resolution is not binding on member states and its passing will not oblige countries to toe the line on AI governance or enforce a particular set of rules. However, it would highlight a broad agreement on principles and future directions between countries.
- Washington's efforts to lead global governance of AI contrast starkly with its failure to regulate the industry at home, with comprehensive federal regulation over the technology not yet materialized and not appearing likely to do so in the near future.