UNGA Launches Two New Initiatives to Strengthen Global Cooperation on AI Governance

Syllabus: GS3/Artificial Intelligence

Context

• The United Nations Secretary-General has praised a decision by the UN General Assembly to create two new institutional mechanisms to enhance global cooperation on AI governance.

About

• These are the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
• The panels aim to address AI’s benefits and risks, fostering international collaboration and informed policymaking.

The Two Mechanisms

• Global Dialogue on AI Governance:
  • Purpose: An inclusive UN platform for states and stakeholders.
  • Function: Forum to discuss critical AI issues humanity is facing today.
• United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI:
  • Purpose: Designed as an inclusive multi-stakeholder forum within the United Nations where member states, civil society, academia, and the private sector can engage in discussions on key AI challenges and governance issues. 
  • Annual sessions are scheduled for July 2026 in Geneva and July 2027 in New York.

Significance

• Called a “pathbreaking milestone” by the United Nations Secretary-General.
• Aims to balance AI benefits and risks, while fostering international collaboration.
• Ensures AI development aligns with humanity’s collective good.

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. 
• Artificial intelligence allows machines to model, or even improve upon, the capabilities of the human mind. 
• From the development of self-driving cars to the proliferation of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, AI is increasingly becoming part of everyday life — and an area every industry is investing in.

Why do we need rules on AI?

• Ethical Concerns: AI systems can make decisions and take actions that impact individuals and society.
  • Establishing rules helps address ethical concerns related to the use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with human values and respects fundamental rights.
• Privacy: AI often involves the processing of large amounts of data. Rules can help protect individual privacy by specifying how data should be collected, stored, and used. 
• Security: This includes safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities and protecting against malicious uses of AI technology.
• Transparency: Rules can mandate transparency in AI systems, requiring developers to disclose how their algorithms work.
• Competition and Innovation: Establishing a regulatory framework provides a level playing field for businesses, preventing the abuse of market dominance and encouraging responsible innovation.
• Public Safety: In cases where AI is used in critical domains such as healthcare, transportation, or public infrastructure, rules are essential to ensure the safety of individuals and the general public.

Regulation of AI in India

• India does not have a dedicated AI law yet. AI is governed indirectly through existing legal frameworks:
  • IT Act, 2000: Covers cybercrimes, intermediary liability.
  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Ensures data privacy and consent.
  • IPR laws (Copyright & Patents Acts): Relevant for AI-generated works and innovation.
• Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence: India is a member of the GPAI. The 2023 GPAI Summit was held in New Delhi, where GPAI experts presented their work on responsible AI, data governance, and the future of work, innovation, and commercialization. 
• The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence #AIForAll strategy, by NITI Aayog: It featured AI research and development guidelines focused on healthcare, agriculture, education, “smart” cities and infrastructure, and smart mobility and transformation.
• Principles for Responsible AI: In February 2021, the NITI Aayog released Principles for Responsible AI, an approach paper that explores the various ethical considerations of deploying AI solutions in India.

Challenges of Regulation

• Rapid Evolution of AI: The field is constantly evolving, making it difficult to write future-proof regulations.
• Balancing Innovation and Safety: Striking a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety is a challenge.
• International Cooperation: Effective AI regulation requires international cooperation to avoid a fragmented landscape.
• Defining AI: There’s no universally agreed-upon definition of AI, making it difficult to regulate effectively.

Way Ahead:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and possesses the capability to fundamentally change the way in which we work. It is a far greater force and needs to be regulated.
• By acknowledging the potential dangers of AI and proactively taking steps to mitigate them, we can ensure that this transformative technology serves humanity and contributes to a safer, more equitable future.

Source: DTE