The United Nations and Dutch Government Collaborate on Ethical Supervision of AI
The United Nations and the Dutch government have joined forces to create a framework for the ethical supervision of artificial intelligence (AI). The project, called “Supervising AI by Competent Authorities,” aims to gather data on how European countries oversee AI. Financial support for the project comes from the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI), and the information collected will be used to develop a list of best practice recommendations.
Gabriela Ramos, assistant director-general for social and human science at UNESCO, emphasized that this discussion is not just about technology but also about society. She stated that effective governance frameworks based on ethical and moral values are necessary to shape the development of AI and create the kind of world we want to live in.
Training Sessions and Ethical Guidelines
The data gathered through this project will not only contribute to best practices but also aid in designing future training sessions to enhance institutional capacity on the topic. UNESCO has previously played a significant role in developing ethical guidelines for AI, which have been adopted by all member states.
EU’s AI Act and National Initiatives
UNESCO’s efforts align with the EU’s AI Act, which was passed in parliament in June 2022. The act sets comprehensive rules for AI development within the EU. Additionally, individual European countries are also taking steps towards AI regulation and development strategies.
In August, Spain announced plans for a local AI regulation agency and a national strategy focused on inclusive, sustainable, and citizen-centered AI development. In Germany, however, politicians and digital experts hold differing opinions on how best to manage and implement AI technology.
Hot Take: Collaborative Efforts for Ethical AI Governance
The collaboration between the United Nations and the Dutch government for the ethical supervision of AI demonstrates the growing recognition of the need for effective governance frameworks in shaping AI development. By gathering data on AI supervision practices and creating best practice recommendations, this project aims to ensure that AI is developed and utilized ethically. With UNESCO’s involvement and previous work on ethical guidelines, this initiative adds to ongoing efforts in establishing ethical standards for AI. As countries like Spain and Germany also focus on AI regulation and strategies, it is clear that a collective approach is necessary to navigate the societal impact of AI.