Key Takeaways:
- The UN General Assembly adopted a Chinese-sponsored resolution with US support to close the AI capability gap between developed and developing countries.
- This resolution promotes international cooperation in AI knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
- Both resolutions received broad global support, emphasizing the UN’s role in AI governance and responsible AI usage.
- China criticized US sanctions on AI investments as divisive.
- The resolutions address civilian AI applications and the need to mitigate military AI risks.
- The goal is to ensure developing countries benefit from the AI revolution.
In a landmark decision, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Chinese-sponsored resolution with the support of the United States to close the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities between developed and developing countries.
This resolution emphasizes creating a “fair, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment” for AI’s design and development, promoting international cooperation in sharing knowledge and transferring technology to developing nations.
A.I has begun to be seen as “needed” to keep up globally to the US government. America is gathering everything they can on how to implement it like China has. The silent war has begun. Tiktok is the major project by the NSA right now
— carrotstick (@DaniwlWard) July 2, 2024
This adoption follows a US-sponsored resolution from March, which focused on safeguarding personal data, protecting human rights, and ensuring AI’s security and trustworthiness.
The Chinese resolution, in contrast, highlights capacity building and equal access to AI technology. Both resolutions were adopted by consensus in the 193-member General Assembly, reflecting widespread global support.
China’s UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, emphasized the UN’s central role in AI governance and expressed China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the US and other countries on AI issues.
China has criticized the US Treasury Department’s proposed rule to restrict and monitor US investments in Chinese AI, computer chips, and quantum computing despite this cooperation.
Ambassador Fu described these sanctions as unhelpful and divisive. While the resolutions focus on civilian applications of AI, Fu also highlighted the necessity of international measures to mitigate risks associated with military AI.
Will you put limits to regulate the use of AI for military purposes such as what Israel does as a part of its genocide against the people of Gaza?
— Dr. Renee Levant (@ReneeLevant) July 2, 2024
China is actively involved in negotiations on controlling lethal autonomous weapons and supports potential resolutions addressing the military dimension of AI.
Fu noted that AI technology is advancing exceptionally, and this issue has been a topic of discussion at the highest levels, including talks between US and Chinese leaders.
The Chinese resolution aims to bridge the digital divide and promote international collaboration, ensuring that developing countries are not left behind in the AI revolution. This initiative underscores the need for a supportive business environment for AI, from design to application.
The adoption of these complementary resolutions by the UN General Assembly represents a significant step towards global cooperation in AI governance.
I cannot support the development of AI with communist ideology.
— don’t reply (@genocidechina1) July 2, 2024
It demonstrates the shared commitment of major powers, despite their rivalries, to shape the future of AI technology responsibly and inclusively.
This significant development highlights the importance of global collaboration in harnessing AI’s potential while addressing the disparities and risks associated with this transformative technology.
