UNITED NATIONS, United States, March  21, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The UN General 
Assembly on Thursday called for the development of a set of international 
guidelines to address the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.

               The resolution, co-sponsored by dozens of countries and adopted by 
consensus, emphasizes the necessity of guidelines "to promote safe, secure and 
trustworthy artificial intelligence systems," while excluding military AI from 
its purview.

               On the whole, the resolution, prepared by the United States, focuses more 
on the technology's positive potential, and calls for special care "to bridge 
the artificial intelligence and other digital divides between and within 
countries."

               It also seeks "to promote, not hinder, digital transformation and equitable 
access" to AI in order to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which 
aim to ensure a better future for humanity by 2030.

               "As AI technologies rapidly develop, there is urgent need and unique 
opportunities for member states to meet this critical moment with collective 
action," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said earlier, reading 
a joint statement by the dozens of co-sponsor countries.

               According to Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, 
"the emphasis on development is a deliberate effort by the US to win goodwill 
among poorer nations."

               "It is easier to talk about how AI can help developing countries progress 
rather than tackle security and safety topics head-on as a first initiative," 
he said.
               
               - 'Male-dominated algorithms' -
             
               The resolution does highlight the technology's threats when misused with 
the intent to cause harm, and also recognizes that without guarantees, AI risks 
eroding human rights, reinforcing prejudices and endangering personal data 
protection.

               It therefore asks member states and stakeholders "to refrain from or cease 
the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in 
compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the 
enjoyment of human rights."

               Warnings against the technology have become increasingly prevalent, 
particularly when it comes to generative AI tools and the risks they pose for 
democracy and society, particularly via fake images and speech shared in a bid 
to interfere in elections.

               UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made AI regulation a priority, 
calling for the creation of a UN entity modelled on other UN organizations such 
as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

               He has regularly highlighted the potential for disinformation and last week 
warned of bias in technologies designed mainly by men, which can result in 
algorithms that ignore the rights and needs of women.

               "Male-dominated algorithms could literally program inequalities into 
activities from urban planning to credit ratings to medical imaging for years 
to come," he said.

               Gowan of the International Crisis Group said he didn't "think the US wants 
Guterres leading this conversation, because it is so sensitive" and was 
therefore "stepping in to shape the debate."

               A race is underway between various UN member states, the United States, 
China and South Korea, to be at the forefront of the issue.

               In October, the White House unveiled a set of measures intended to ensure 
that the United States leads the way in AI regulation, with President Joe Biden 
insisting on the need to govern the technology.