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The UN General Assembly has approved the first resolution on Artificial Intelligence, AI.

UPSC Science and Technology: UNGA has approved the first resolution AI.

Topics Covered

Summary:

- UN AI Resolution: The UN General Assembly has approved the first resolution on Artificial Intelligence, aiming to ensure it benefits all nations and respects human rights.
- Global Support: Sponsored by the USA and co-sponsored by 123 countries, the resolution has the backing of all 193 U.N. member nations.
- Digital Divide: The resolution seeks to bridge the gap between rich and poor countries in AI technology and discussions.
- AI’s Benefits: It emphasizes developing countries’ access to AI for various applications, such as disease detection and flood prediction.

What is the news?

(UPSC Science and Technology)

- The United Nations General Assembly’s recent approval of the first resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a significant milestone. This resolution signifies a global commitment to harnessing the immense potential of AI while mitigating its risks. It paves the way for international cooperation to ensure this powerful technology benefits all nations, respects human rights, and operates with safety and security.
- The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries was adopted by consensus with a bang of the gavel and without a vote. It means the resolution has the support of all 193 U.N. member nations.
- Over the past few months, the United States worked with more than 120 countries at the United Nations including Russia, China and Cuba to negotiate the text of the resolution that was adopted yesterday.

What is the aim of resolution?

- The resolution aims to close the digital divide between developed rich countries and poorer developing countries and make sure they are all at the table in discussions on AI. It also aims to make sure that developing countries have the technology and capabilities to take advantage of AI’s benefits, including detecting diseases, predicting floods, helping farmers and training the next generation of workers.

Significance:

Bridging the Divide for Shared Progress:

- A key aspect of the resolution is its focus on bridging the digital divide. AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to agriculture. However, unequal access to this technology could exacerbate existing inequalities between developed and developing nations. The resolution calls for measures to equip developing countries with the infrastructure and expertise needed to utilize AI effectively. This collaborative approach fosters shared progress, ensuring all nations can reap the benefits of this transformative technology.

Safeguarding Human Rights in the Age of AI:

- The resolution rightly emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights throughout the entire lifecycle of AI development and deployment. This includes ensuring algorithms are free from biases that could lead to discrimination. Additionally, the resolution advocates for transparency and explainability in AI systems. This will allow for public scrutiny and prevent the misuse of AI for surveillance or manipulation.

Building Trust: Safety and Security in AI:

- The resolution highlights the need for safe and secure AI systems. This encompasses robust cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and malicious use. It also calls for the development of AI systems that are reliable and predictable, minimizing the risk of unintended consequences. Building trust in AI is crucial for its widespread adoption and responsible advancement.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Continued Collaboration:

- The UN resolution is a vital first step, laying the groundwork for a global framework for responsible AI development and deployment. However, much work remains. Member states, international organizations, and the private sector must work together to translate these broad principles into concrete action. This will involve establishing international standards for AI development, fostering research collaborations, and promoting public education around AI’s potential and limitations.
- The UN’s leadership in this domain offers a valuable platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. By working together, the international community can ensure AI becomes a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development, fostering human well-being, and building a brighter future for all.

About United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), and it serves as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

- Composition: All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the UNGA, making it the only UN body with universal representation. Each country has one vote.
- Establishment: Established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations.

Function:

- Discusses and debates a wide range of international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and disarmament.
- Makes recommendations to States on these issues.
- Elects members to other UN bodies, including the Security Council and the Secretary-General.
- Approves the UN budget.

Sessions: The UNGA meets in regular sessions from September to December each year, and thereafter as required for special sessions or emergency meetings.

Decision-making:

- Important questions like peace and security, admitting new members, and budgetary matters require a two-thirds majority vote.
  Other questions are decided by a simple majority.

Significance: The UNGA provides a unique forum for member states to come together, discuss pressing global issues, and work towards solutions. It plays a vital role in shaping international cooperation and addressing global challenges.

QuizTime:

Mains Questions:

Question 1:

Critically analyse the significance of the UN resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI). How can India leverage this resolution to bridge the digital divide and promote responsible AI development? (250 words)

Model Answer:

The UN resolution on AI marks a crucial step towards a global framework for harnessing this powerful technology responsibly. Its significance lies in:

- Global cooperation: It fosters international collaboration to ensure equitable access to AI benefits and address potential risks.

- Human rights focus: It emphasizes the ethical development and deployment of AI, safeguarding human rights throughout its lifecycle.
- Safety and security: The resolution promotes building trust in AI by advocating for secure and predictable AI systems.

India can leverage this resolution by:

- Seeking technical assistance: Collaborating with developed nations to acquire the infrastructure and expertise needed for effective AI adoption.
- Developing domestic regulations: Enacting national policies aligned with the resolution’s principles to guide ethical AI development.
- Promoting public awareness: Educating the public on AI’s potential and limitations, fostering responsible use and mitigating anxieties.

By actively participating in international discussions and implementing these measures, India can bridge the digital divide and become a leader in responsible AI development.

Question 2:

What are the challenges in ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI systems? Suggest solutions to address these challenges. (250 words)

Model Answer:

Ensuring ethical AI development presents several challenges:

- Bias in algorithms: Algorithmic bias can perpetuate discrimination if training data reflects societal inequalities.
- Transparency and explainability: The complex nature of AI systems makes it difficult to understand their decision-making processes, hindering accountability.
- Weaponization of AI: The potential misuse of AI for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance poses ethical and security concerns.

Solutions to these challenges include:

- Developing diverse datasets: Training AI systems on datasets that reflect diverse populations can mitigate bias.
- Promoting explainable AI: Researching techniques to make AI decision-making processes more transparent and auditable.
- Establishing international regulations: Developing international agreements to restrict the use of AI for harmful purposes.

By addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts, we can ensure AI benefits humanity and fosters a more equitable and secure future.

Remember, these are just two examples of UPSC Mains questions inspired by the current news (UPSC Science and Technology). Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!

Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:

Prelims:

- General Studies Paper I: Current Affairs : UPSC Science and Technology

Mains:

- General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I): World History – Here, you can discuss the formation of the UN after World War II and its role in maintaining international peace and security.
- General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II): Governance, Constitution, Polity and Social Justice – You can analyze the role of the UNGA in promoting international cooperation on issues like human rights, social development, and environmental protection.
- General Studies Paper III (GS Paper III): Technology, Economic Development, Security and Social Change – The UNGA’s role in addressing global challenges related to technology, development, and security can be discussed here. You can mention specific initiatives or resolutions passed by the UNGA on these topics.
- General Studies Paper IV (GS Paper IV): Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – You can discuss the ethical considerations of international organizations like the UN, including issues like decision-making processes and accountability.