The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a landmark resolution on the promotion of “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable development for all.

 

Adopting a US-led draft resolution without a vote, the UNGA also highlighted the respect, protection and promotion of human rights in the design, development, deployment and the use of AI.

 

The text was “co-sponsored” or backed by more than 120 other Member States.

 

The General Assembly also recognised AI systems’ potential to accelerate and enable progress towards reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

 

It represents the first time the Assembly has adopted a resolution on regulating the emerging field. The US National Security Advisor reportedly said earlier this month that the adoption would represent an “historic step forward” for the safe use of AI.

 

The Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders to refrain from or cease the use of AI systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.

 

It pointed out that "the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems."

 

The Assembly also urged all states, the private sector, civil society, research organisations and the media, to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks related to safe, secure and trustworthy use of AI.