The United Nations Security Council is set to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in its first formal discussion on the topic. As governments worldwide grapple with how to mitigate the potential dangers of AI, which has the power to reshape the global economy and impact international security, Britain is taking the lead by calling for an international dialogue on the matter.
In its role as the rotating president of the UN Security Council this month, Britain aims to establish a global leadership position in the regulation of AI. The discussion, scheduled for Tuesday, will be chaired by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
This move by the UN Security Council comes after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced support in June for the creation of an international AI watchdog body, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The proposal was put forth by a group of AI executives concerned about the implications of unregulated AI.
The attention on AI regulation is not limited to the United Nations. Last week, the top regulatory authority for Wall Street announced that it is developing rules to govern the use of AI on trading platforms. This measure aims to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to the use of AI in trading. Gary Gensler, the Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighted the need for new thinking to confront challenges to financial stability posed by technologies like predictive analytics and machine learning.
The SEC’s focus on responsible innovation aligns with broader efforts by the US government to strike a balance between encouraging technological advancement and mitigating the risks associated with emerging technologies. Gensler emphasized the potential conflicts of interest that could arise if a trading platform’s AI system prioritizes the interests of the platform over those of its customers.
To address these concerns, the SEC is exploring new regulatory proposals. Gensler has directed SEC staff to recommend strategies to tackle these challenges and ensure the responsible use of AI in trading.
The formal discussion at the UN Security Council and the regulatory efforts by the SEC highlight the growing global recognition of the need to harness the potential benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential risks. These steps toward establishing international regulations and guidelines for AI usage signify a commitment from both government bodies and regulatory authorities to foster responsible and safe innovation for the betterment of society.
As the dialogue on AI regulation continues, it is important to strike a balance between promoting technological advancement and addressing the ethical, legal, and security challenges that AI presents. The discussions at the UN Security Council and the actions taken by the SEC mark significant steps toward achieving this balance and ensuring that AI is developed and implemented in a manner that advances global peace, security, and prosperity.
