Global AI Governance Final Report by UN Advisory Body | UPSC Notes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch or field of computer science which focuses on creation of systems which are able to perform complex tasks which usually require human intelligence. These kinds of tasks include the ability of reasoning, logical thinking, rational acts, learning, techniques of problem-solving, understanding natural language and perceiving the environment. An advisory panel was formed in 2023 to examine the issues and challenges related to joint international AI governance and make new recommendations for it.

Why Is International AI Governance Needed?

The pace of development of artificial intelligence focuses on power and wealth globally, with huge geo economic and geopolitical ramifications. There is a lack of basic understanding about the inner workings of Artificial Intelligence to fully control outcomes or predict trends. It is to be noted that Artificial Intelligence knows no barrier as this technology is cross-border in structure, design and application and thus it cannot be left to market forces alone. AI can be equitably distributed and opportunities associated with Artificial Intelligence such as upgrading energy grids, improving public health and agriculture. 

Key Aspects of Artificial Intelligence

These are the following key aspects of Artificial Intelligence:

• Machine Learning: Machine learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence where learning of algorithms is done through data to improve their performance over time . It is done without being explicitly programmed.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): This is the ability of machines to understand, interpret and respond to human language.
• Computer Vision: This is used in apps like facial recognition, autonomous vehicles etc in which AI enables machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual data from the world. 
• Robotics: It combines Artificial Intelligence with physical machines to execute different kinds of tasks in various environments like auditing, healthcare, manufacturing etc.
• Expert Systems: Artificial Intelligence applications that mimic the decision-making abilities of humans who are experts in their respective domains, such as medical diagnosis.

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Applications of Artificial Intelligence

AI is being used extensively these days in many areas and there are still many sectors where it is expanding its reach. These are some of the applications of AI:

• Healthcare: AI helps in diagnostics, effective treatment and hospital management.
• Finance: AI is used by different institutions and organizations for fraud detection, risk assessment and automated trading.
• Transportation: AI is used to power self-driving cars and optimizes logistics.
• Entertainment: Recommending content, streaming services enhancing video games etc are some of the areas where AI is used for entertainment purpose

Challenges with AI Governance

AI is a new cutting edge technology that mimics human intelligence and performs some of the complex tasks and thus its governance isn't an easy task. These are some of the challenges associated with AI governance:

• Ethics: It is important to address the issue of inherent bias in data storage and management and ensuring fair outcomes.
• Job Displacement: Automation is sometimes criticized for job displacement, but this is not completely true because it also creates additional jobs and if the sectors are diversified then there will be no threat to job security.
• Security: Artificial Intelligence systems can be vulnerable to misuse or malware attacks and thus security of digital infrastructure becomes a challenging task.

Gaps in Global AI Governance 

According to the final report submitted by 39 member committee formed by UN to give recommendations on international governance of artificial intelligence, following gaps have been highlighted:

• Lack of a Comprehensive Global Strategy: There is absence of a truly comprehensive global strategy. Apart from that there is also absence of many AI governance documents and projects. 
• Lack of Representation: The committee submitted an extensive report and found that only seven of the sampled countries are part of all AI governance efforts, while 118 countries which were mainly from the global south were not.
• Implementation Issue: It has been found that the promises made were not translated into tangible outcomes that unfortunately prevented equitable sharing of the opportunities that AI provides. 

Recommendations of the Committee on AI Governance

The 39 member committee formed last year i.e 2023 gave seven recommendations on international AI governance. The UN is going to discuss the seven recommendations this year. These are the seven recommendations of committee on International AI governance:

• An independent international scientific community on AI. 
• The Intergovernmental Dialogue on Governance of Artificial Intelligence is held twice a year. 
• Creating an AI standards revolution, connecting stakeholders. 
• Building AI capability development networks. 
• Creating a global fund for AI to facilitate AI penetration. 
• The Creation of a global AI data framework, developed through a process initiated by a relevant agency. 
• The UN Secretariat for supporting and coordinating global efforts in AI risk management and global governance. 

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