Welcoming the UNESCO agreement on the Ethics of AI

Introduction

At the end of November, UNESCO member states adopted the first ever global agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This agreement, between 193 countries is a historic moment for global AI.

As AI technology becomes more prevalent, there is a need for a common understanding and principles-based approach across all territories and this is the first meaningful attempt at such an agreement. It is a significant step towards developing a unifying approach to addressing and using AI in our everyday lives.

Ethical considerations

We have known for some time that ethical considerations are important in dealing with AI and the flexibility of ethical frameworks allows for more agility in dealing with the range of issues posed, and balancing competing priorities. Of course, ensuring compliance will be another challenge, particularly in nations like China where issues like surveillance and social scoring (which the agreement recommends banning) have caused controversy over the years.

Whether being a signatory to the UNESCO agreement will change member states’ approach remains to be seen – it is for member states to apply the global agreement at their level.

Interestingly, some of the key recommendations in the UNESCO agreement mirror the requirements of the recent draft EU AI Regulation, including the suggested ban on “social scoring”. You can listen to the Scottish AI Leadership Circle discussion on the EU AI regulations here.

We also see similarities with the EU’s own ethics guidance for trustworthy AI, particularly with the focus on data protection and environmental issues. Post-Brexit, there has been much discussion around how the UK’s approach to AI may diverge from that of the EU. Whilst the UK may or may not introduce legislation of its own along the lines of the AI regulation, there will be an expectation that similar ethical considerations will inform the approach both in the UK and further afield.

Inclusivity

The introduction of a global standardised approach to AI will provide us with necessary infrastructure to ensure that the technology is used purposefully in future developments of technological innovation.

It is a privilege to witness that UNESCO has recognised the inclusive and accessibility of artificial intelligence and that it can play a crucial role changing lives of underrepresented groups in society i.e. by “building inclusive environments for people with disabilities.”

The global standard on the ethics of AI has set the benchmark to how countries across the World and other international bodies/organisations will rely on AI in their chosen disciplinary field. 

Find out more about the recommendations here.