The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence, which encourages the protection of personal data, the monitoring of AI for risks, and the safeguarding of human rights.

The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, was adopted by consensus with a bang of the gavel and without a vote on Thursday, meaning it has the support of all 193 UN member nations.

In a statement, the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, remarked that this resolution establishes a path forward on AI where every country can seize the promise and manage the risks of AI.

The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives by governments worldwide to shape AI’s development amid fears it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, increase fraud or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms.

The measure states that the improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems … pose risks that could … undercut the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In November, the US, the United Kingdom, and more than a dozen other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on how to protect artificial intelligence from rogue actors, pushing companies to create AI systems that are “secure by design.”

Source: Al Jazeera