A declaration on artificial intelligence (AI) safety was issued at a summit on Thursday. Under the declaration, 28 countries and the European Union (EU) agreed on the need for a new global effort to ensure AI is developed and used safely and responsibly.
AI presents enormous opportunities and has the potential to enhance human well-being, peace and prosperity, the British government said in a statement accompanying the declaration.
However, they agree that substantial risks may arise from intentional misuse of AI, or control of frontier AI, with particular concerns raised over cybersecurity, biotechnology and disinformation risks.
The declaration states that risks are “best addressed through international cooperation.”
During the two-day meeting, representatives from the United States, Britain, the EU, China, and India, among others, discussed risks and opportunities brought about by the rapid AI development.
According to the British government, the Republic of Korea agreed to co-host a mini-virtual summit on AI in the next six months, and France will host the next summit a year from now.
Meanwhile, the Group of Seven countries have created a voluntary AI code of conduct, released on October 30, regarding the use of advanced artificial intelligence. The code of conduct focuses on but is not limited to foundation models and generative AI.
As a point of reference, the G7 countries are the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., as well as the European Union.
Ideally, the G7 framework will help ensure that businesses have a straightforward and clearly defined path to comply with any regulations they may encounter around AI usage. In addition, the code of conduct provides a practical framework for how organizations can approach the use and creation of foundation models and other artificial intelligence products or applications for international distribution. The code of conduct also provides business leaders and employees alike with a clearer understanding of what ethical AI use looks like and they can use AI to create positive change in the world.
Although this document provides useful information and guidance to G7 countries and organizations that choose to use it, the AI code of conduct is voluntary and non-binding.
