This file photo shows screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT 2023 in Toulouse, southwestern France on Jan 23. (PHOTO / AFP)
PARIS — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday called on governments to fully and immediately implement its recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI).
"The world needs stronger ethical rules for artificial intelligence: this is the challenge of our time. UNESCO's recommendation on the ethics of AI sets the appropriate normative framework and provides all the necessary safeguards," UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a press release.
The recommendation was endorsed by all UNESCO member states in November 2021. It is the first global framework for the ethical use of AI
The move follows a call by over 1,000 tech workers for a pause in the training of the most powerful AI systems, including Chat GPT.
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According to UNESCO, AI innovations may raise ethical issues, especially discrimination and stereotyping, including the issue of gender inequality. AI may also have a negative impact on the fight against disinformation, the right to privacy, the protection of personal data, and human and environmental rights.
"Industry self-regulation is clearly not sufficient to avoid these ethical harms, which is why the recommendation provides the tools to ensure that AI developments abide by the rule of law, avoiding harm, and ensuring that when harm is done, accountability and redressal mechanisms are at hand for those affected," the organization said.
The recommendation was endorsed by all UNESCO member states in November 2021. It is the first global framework for the ethical use of AI.
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It guides countries in maximizing the benefits of AI and reducing the risks it entails. It contains values and principles, and detailed policy recommendations in all relevant areas.