Technology Giants Pledge to Build Ethical AI: A Step Towards Protecting Human Rights and Diversity

Wednesday - February 14 2024, 05:09 UTC - 9 months ago

Eight global technology companies have pledged to integrate UNESCO's ethical framework for AI use in their development and deployment of AI. This includes ensuring human rights, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and mitigating negative effects of AI. The alliance between public and private sectors is seen as crucial in shaping AI for the common good. This agreement was signed at the second UNESCO Global Forum on AI.

In a major step towards building AI systems with more ethical considerations, eight global technology companies have pledged to integrate UNESCO's framework of principles into their development and deployment of AI. The companies include industry giants such as Microsoft, Mastercard, GSMA, Lenovo Group, INNIT, LG AI Research, Salesforce, and Telefonica. This comes after UNESCO's adoption of its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2021, which emphasizes promoting and protecting human rights, human dignity, and ensuring diversity and inclusiveness in the use of AI.

The companies' agreement commits to integrating the values and principles of the UNESCO framework in all stages of AI use, from design and development to purchase, sale, and usage. This means that human rights must be guaranteed in all aspects of AI use, and due diligence must be carried out to meet safety standards and identify and prevent any negative effects of AI. This is a significant step towards ensuring AI is developed and used in an ethical and responsible manner.

UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay praised the alliance between the public and private sectors, stating it was crucial in building AI for the common good. She also highlighted the importance of obtaining concrete commitments from global tech companies in implementing the ethical framework for AI use. This agreement was signed at the second UNESCO Global Forum on AI in Kranj, Slovenia.

The European Union has recently stepped up its efforts to regulate AI, despite not having powerful AI companies within its borders. This responds to the rapid advancements in AI technology and the need to ensure it is used in a responsible and ethical manner. With this new commitment from global technology companies, the ethical framework for AI use is gaining more traction and recognition in the tech industry.