Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov introduced the 'Three Laws of Robotics' in his 1942 short story, Running around. The rules, paraphrased, are as follows. First Law: A robot cannot harm a human being or harm a human being through inaction. Second Law: A robot must obey a human command, except where the command violates the First Law. Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence unless that protection violates the First or Second Laws.
Many people have problems with Asimov's 'rules' because they were designed as a fictional device to sell more of his stories. They don't always translate to real-world scenarios. However, at the four-day 2024 World AI Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai last week, China released the official Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance, the first governance guidelines for artificial intelligence, and other countries to implement it. Demanded to work together to do.
“We look forward to positive responses from governments, the scientific and technological community, industry and all parties involved, so that we can use AI to benefit mankind,” said Chen Jinning, chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Committee. can work together to promote Secretary of Shanghai, announcing the declaration at the opening ceremony of WAIC.
The declaration fits perfectly with the theme of this year's conference – “Governance by AI for Good and All” – and follows the adoption of a China-led resolution by the UN General Assembly just days earlier. The purpose of which was to benefit the poor nations. AI capabilities. The resolution was co-sponsored by more than 140 countries, including the United States.
“It is fair to say that this document shows the unity and cooperation of various countries and their determination and confidence in promoting some systematic and comprehensive development of AI,” China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dai Bing said in a special said during the briefing. A high-level meeting on global AI governance held alongside the conference. “This is a milestone in global AI governance, particularly in promoting capacity building. It has far-reaching implications for shaping the world's future.”
WAIC 2024: Governing AI for good, for all
An English version of the declaration is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, but it is too long to reproduce here in full. So, here are the highlights:
Promoting the development of AI
- “We agree to actively promote research and development to harness the potential of AI in various sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, industry, culture and environment.”
- “We will closely monitor and mitigate the impact of AI on employment, and guide and promote ways to improve the quality and efficiency of AI-enabled human work.”
- “We advocate a spirit of openness and mutual benefit, and will promote exchange and collaboration on global AI research resources.”
- “We agree to promote the free and orderly flow of data in accordance with the law, safeguarding the development of high-quality data with a high level of data protection, [and] Oppose differential and exclusive data training.
- “We call on all countries to maintain a people-centered approach and adhere to the principle of AI for Good, and equal rights for all countries to develop and use AI technologies without discrimination. Ensure equal opportunities and equal laws.”
Maintaining AI security
- “We attach great importance to the security of AI, especially data security and privacy protection. We agree to ensure the protection and lawful use of personal information.
- “We recognize the need to strengthen regulation and develop reliable AI technologies that can be evaluated, monitored and tracked. Keeping in mind the evolving nature of AI In doing so, we will use AI technologies to prevent AI risks and build technological capacity for AI governance based on human decision-making and oversight.
- “We are committed to strengthening AI-related cybersecurity, enhancing the security and reliability of systems and applications, and preventing hacking and malware applications.”
- “We are committed to promoting the formulation and adoption of ethical guidelines and principles for AI with broad international consensus, guiding the healthy development of AI technologies, and preventing their misuse, abuse or malicious use. Agree.”
Developing an AI governance system
- “We encourage various actors, including international organizations, businesses, research institutions, social organizations, and individuals, to play an active role in the development and implementation of AI governance systems.”
- “We agree to strengthen regulatory and accountability mechanisms for AI to ensure compliance and accountability in the use of AI technologies.”
The final two paragraphs of the declaration address the importance of public input in AI decision-making, improving digital literacy, and the use of AI to enhance social well-being and contribute to solving “global problems.”
The declaration's focus on humanity, including humans and those who use it, is behind the continued development of AI, giving it a distinctly Asimovian flavor. But will these guidelines lead to international cooperation and protect the public?
Over the past few years, China has demonstrated that it is ahead of the game when it comes to AI governance, enacting some of the world's first binding regulations that have caused US lawmakers to sit up and take notice. So, of course, China knows what it's doing. As with most things, and especially in the AI field, time will be the best judge.
Source: China Daily