Act now on AI before it’s too late, says UNESCO’s AI lead; Fast Company, February 6, 2024

CHRIS STOKEL-WALKER, Fast Company; Act now on AI before it’s too late, says UNESCO’s AI lead

"Starting today, delegates are gathering in Slovenia at the second Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, organized by UNESCO, the United Nations’ educational, scientific, and cultural arm. The meeting is aimed at broadening the conversation around AI risks and the need to consider AI’s impacts beyond those discussed by first-world countries and business leaders.

Ahead of the conference, Gabriela Ramos, assistant director-general for social and human sciences at UNESCO, spoke with Fast Company...

Countries want to learn from each other. Ethics have become very important. Now there’s not a single conversation I go to that is not at some point referring to ethics—which was not the case one year ago...

Tech companies have previously said they can regulate themselves. Do you think they can with AI?

Let me just ask you something: Which sector has been regulating itself in life? Give me a break."

85% of people worry about online disinformation, global survey finds; The Guardian, November 7, 2023

 Jon Henley, The Guardian; 85% of people worry about online disinformation, global survey finds

"More than 85% of people are worried about the impact of online disinformation and 87% believe it has already harmed their country’s politics, according to a global survey, as the United Nations announced a plan to tackle the phenomenon.

Audrey Azoulay, director general of the UN’s culture body, Unesco, told reporters on Monday that false information and hate speech online – accelerated and amplified by social media platforms – posed “major risks to social cohesion, peace and stability”.

Regulation was urgently needed “to protect access to information … while at the same time protecting freedom of expression and human rights”, Azoulay said as she presented a “governance blueprint” for governments, regulators and platforms."

Artificial intelligence: Partnership between UNESCO and the EU to speed up the implementation of ethical rules; UNESCO Press Release, June 27, 2023

UNESCO Press Release; Artificial intelligence: Partnership between UNESCO and the EU to speed up the implementation of ethical rules

"UNESCO and the European Commission have just signed an agreement to accelerate global implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence adopted in November 2021 by the 193 Member States of the Organization. A budget of €4 million will be dedicated to supporting the least developed countries in the establishment of their national legislation."

First Global Forum on Ethics of AI held in Prague, one year after the adoption of UNESCO’s global recommendation; UNESCO, To Be Held December 13, 2022

 UNESCO; First Global Forum on Ethics of AI held in Prague, one year after the adoption of UNESCO’s global recommendation

The Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, hosted by the Czech Republic on 13 December 2022 in Prague, is the first international ministerial meeting to take place after the adoption of the global recommendation on the ethics of AI a year ago. The forum will place a spotlight on “ensuring inclusion in the AI world,” and take stock of the implementation of the recommendation so far. The event is held under UNESCO’s patronage.

"Human Rights At Risk

While artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing our lives, its benefits are not being distributed equitably across and within countries. Moreover, the technology continues to be developed in ways that raise risks related to human rights. They may also increase inequalities. While most countries are willing to take steps to minimize the risks associated with AI, many lack the regulatory capacity to do so. UNESCO seeks to bridge this gap by promoting a global and ethical approach to AI and offering guidance on regulatory measures and policies. The Recommendation is the first-ever global normative instrument in this domain, unanimously adopted 193 Member States of UNESCO."