United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ The United Nations Security Council convened its inaugural meeting on the subject of artificial intelligence (AI) risks. During the session, China asserted that AI should not be allowed to become an uncontrolled force, comparing it to a “runaway horse.” In contrast, the United States emphasized the importance of preventing the misuse of AI for censorship or oppression. The meeting, presided over by Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, acknowledged the transformative potential of AI, recognizing that it has the power to fundamentally alter every facet of human existence.
Cleverly underscored the urgency of establishing global governance frameworks for transformative technologies like AI, highlighting the borderless nature of its impact. He envisioned AI as a potential tool for tackling climate change and driving economic growth, but he also raised concerns about its role in propagating disinformation and supporting the pursuits of both state and non-state actors in obtaining weaponry. Jeffrey Deaurentis, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, stressed the importance of international collaboration among countries to address the risks associated with AI and other emerging technologies in order to safeguard global peace and security.
During the session, the 15-member council received briefings from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Jack Clark (co-founder of the high-profile AI startup Anthropic), and Professor Zeng Yi (co-director of the China-UK Research Center for AI Ethics and Governance). Guterres expressed apprehensions regarding the ramifications of AI applications, both military and non-military, on global peace and security. He supported calls for a dedicated United Nations body related to organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to collectively govern this extraordinary technology.
China’s UN Ambassador, Zhang Jun, referred to AI as a double-edged sword and advocated for the United Nations to play a central coordinating role in formulating guiding principles for AI. He emphasized that the impact of AI, whether beneficial or malevolent, depends on humanity’s responsible utilization, regulation, and balance of scientific progress with security. Zhang stressed the significance of focusing on people and promoting AI for the greater good to regulate its development and prevent potential runaway consequences.
The reality of artificial intelligence has existed for some time, but it gained significant attention as a buzzword in November of the previous year with the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This generative AI chatbot captured widespread acclaim for its ability to answer queries, compose poetry, and even generate complex computer codes. Its success propelled AI to the forefront of both the technological and political spheres. In the wake of ChatGPT’s achievements, tech companies worldwide have eagerly embraced AI and engaged in its development to capitalize on its potential.
