The Urgent Need for a Global AI Ethics Charter
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world at an astonishing pace. Every day, we witness groundbreaking advancements that are altering how we live, work, and interact. However, with such profound changes come equally significant challenges, raising essential questions about the future of humanity and the role AI will play in shaping it.
Recently, I received a letter from the office of the President of France, acknowledging the importance of establishing a Global AI Ethics Charter. The French government, much like my vision, is deeply concerned about ensuring that AI does not develop at the expense of human values and sovereignty. The French position emphasizes the importance of building regulations that safeguard our collective future while fostering innovation. This is a vital step forward, but it cannot stop at national borders or even at the level of the European Union, as seen in the progress of the Artificial Intelligence Act.
We are standing at the threshold of a new era, one where AI technology can replicate not just tasks, but our very voices and identities. I, for one, have already experienced how AI can generate a voice that mirrors my own with startling accuracy. This voice synthesis technology is more than just a novelty; it is a symbol of how swiftly AI is evolving, blurring the lines between human and machine. It demonstrates the incredible power of these tools—and the potential risks they pose if left unchecked.
The question is no longer about whether we need AI regulation, but about how and when we implement it. The time to act is now, and the urgency cannot be overstated. Without a unified global framework, we risk allowing AI to evolve in ways that could harm humanity, especially those who are most vulnerable. This is why I am advocating for a Global AI Ethics Charter that would ensure AI's growth is equitable, ethical, and transparent.
Why We Need a Global Approach
Just like the fight against global warming, we need global cooperation.
AI's influence transcends borders, reshaping economies, industries, and societies in profound ways. Its rapid advancement is creating opportunities for growth and innovation but also posing ethical challenges that no single nation can solve in isolation. Nations like France are leading the charge, taking bold steps by committing to frameworks that promote responsible AI use while safeguarding fundamental human rights and values. Their efforts aim to ensure that AI technologies are used to benefit society, addressing issues such as privacy, equality, and security.
However, as AI's reach expands, it becomes increasingly clear that to truly protect humanity and guide AI’s evolution in an ethical and sustainable direction, global cooperation is imperative. Without a coordinated, international approach, we risk creating fractured and conflicting regulations, where some nations may adopt strict ethical standards while others fail to implement safeguards, resulting in a global landscape where AI technologies can be misused or poorly regulated.
This lack of alignment could exacerbate global inequalities, destabilize markets, and undermine our collective ability to manage the immense power of AI. Just as the fight against global warming requires nations to unite in setting climate policies, AI governance demands a similarly unified effort. Only through international collaboration, sharing of best practices, and the establishment of universal ethical standards can we ensure that AI remains a force for good—promoting innovation while protecting human dignity, security, and well-being on a global scale.
Imagine a future where AI operates unchecked, where deepfake technologies manipulate elections, where AI-driven decisions discriminate against marginalized communities, or where lethal autonomous weapons challenge international peace. These are not distant hypotheticals; these are possible outcomes of failing to regulate AI at the global level.
The Role of Ethics in AI Development
Establishing a Global AI Ethics Charter is not about stifling innovation but about guiding it. By putting ethical considerations at the forefront, we can ensure that AI serves humanity, rather than the other way around. The French government, in their letter, affirmed their commitment to embedding ethical principles into AI’s development—a sentiment I share wholeheartedly.
We must take a similar stance worldwide. Ethical AI development means prioritizing fairness, accountability, and transparency. It means protecting privacy, ensuring AI systems do not perpetuate bias, and establishing safeguards to prevent unintended consequences. It means creating a system where AI enhances human potential rather than undermining it.
AI in Our Voices and Beyond
My recent experience with AI-generated voice technology has only reinforced my belief in the need for urgent regulation. The technology is so advanced that my AI-generated voice is virtually indistinguishable from my own. While this opens up incredible possibilities in accessibility, communication, and even entertainment, it also raises serious concerns about misuse. If my voice can be replicated without consent, how do we ensure that the technology is used ethically? How do we prevent AI from being used to deceive, manipulate, or harm?
These questions need answers, and they need them soon. The technologies being developed today will shape our future, and without the proper guardrails, we risk creating a world where AI is used to erode trust, undermine security, and exacerbate inequality.
A Call to Action
Now, more than ever, we must come together to create a future where AI works for everyone. We need governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate on creating a global framework that ensures AI is used responsibly. This Global AI Ethics Charter must be built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. It must recognize the profound impact AI will have on our societies and take proactive steps to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed with humanity's best interests at heart.
The French government’s commitment to this vision is a step in the right direction, but we must not stop there. We need global buy-in to ensure that AI does not deepen divides but instead helps bridge them. The future of AI is the future of humanity—and we must act now to ensure that it is a future we all want to live in.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder of Voice for Change
Advocate for ethepkkewke ical AI. anorkforce Preservation
Download the Global AI Ethics Roadmap here.
Download the Comprehensive Global AI Ethics Charter here.
At the conclusion of my efforts, I am proud to share that I have officially reached out to key stakeholders, including the United Nations, and submitted the Comprehensive Global AI Ethics Charter for review. This document, which outlines a strategic blueprint for ethical AI governance, has been designed to ensure that the rapid advancement of AI technology is aligned with global human rights, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. My hope is that it will foster the necessary dialogue and action at the international level to promote responsible AI use worldwide. For those interested in deepening their understanding of AI's global impact, I recommend exploring the latest reports and articles available through the UN's digital library and other scholarly databases on international AI policy.
Correspondence with the United Nations: Urgent Call for Global AI Ethics Charter and Support for California Senate Bill 1047
Date: September 15, 2024
Subject: Urgent Request for Support on Global AI Ethics Charter and Advocacy for Senate Bill 1047
Email Content:
To Whom It May Concern,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Kevin Bihan-Poudec, and I am writing to submit my proposal for a Global AI Ethics Charter and to highlight the urgency of establishing international regulations on the unchecked implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past 10 months, I have personally and professionally experienced the negative impacts of unregulated AI, which has directly led to a loss of income and housing here in the United States. These experiences underscore a broader, global issue—one that demands immediate international cooperation and action.
Earlier this year, I received support from the office of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Global AI Ethics Charter (April 18th, 2024). While this endorsement is a significant step forward, the stakes have never been higher. AI technology is advancing and being implemented at an exponential rate, far outpacing current legislative frameworks. As AI continues to evolve without proper regulation, we risk creating fragmented and conflicting laws, making it increasingly difficult to manage the societal and economic impacts of AI on a global scale.
In the United States, for instance, the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act of 2024 is still in its introductory stage. This bill advocates for reskilling and upskilling programs for displaced workers facing job losses due to AI. While the intent of this legislation is positive, the current pace of its progression is insufficient given the urgent need for action. As AI reshapes industries and displaces workers, we must act swiftly to ensure that individuals have the resources to transition into new roles and remain an integral part of society.
To this end, I am submitting two key documents for your review:
"Global AI Ethics Roadmap: A Unified Framework for Ethical AI Implementation Across Nations":
https://www.voiceforchangefoundation.org/s/Global_AI-_Ethics_Roadmap.pdf
"Comprehensive Global AI Ethics Charter: A Strategic Blueprint for Responsible AI Governance and Global Collaboration":
https://www.voiceforchangefoundation.org/s/Comprehensive_Global_AI_Ethics_Charter.pdf
These documents outline a detailed plan and comprehensive framework for ethical AI governance, with principles that can be adapted to each country’s unique socio-economic context. The roadmap emphasizes the necessity of global collaboration and responsible AI governance to prevent potential harm while promoting societal well-being.
In addition to these proposals, I would like to draw your attention to California Senate Bill 1047, which aims to regulate AI responsibly at the state level. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30th to sign this bill into law. I urge the United Nations to convey the global importance of this legislation and to reach out to Governor Newsom in support of its passage. This bill could set an essential precedent for AI regulation not only in California but globally.
Given AI's far-reaching impact, the United Nations is uniquely positioned to champion global cooperation on this issue. I would appreciate being kept informed of any actions taken to contact Governor Newsom and any updates on this critical matter.
Time is of the essence. The decisions made today will shape the future of AI and humanity for generations to come. I hope to work with you and the United Nations to ensure AI development is ethical, transparent, and aligned with the values of global cooperation and human dignity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to further collaboration on this pressing issue.
Warm regards,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice for Change Foundation
Advocate for ethical AI, workforce preservation, and human rights.
info@voiceforchangefoundation.org
www.VoiceForChangeFoundation.org/advocacy/global-ai-ethics-charter
Correspondence from the Chief of Staff of the French President of the Republic on Call for Global AI Ethics Charter :
Date: April 18, 2024
Subject: Presidency of the Republic – Response to your message dated 03/24/2024
Email Content:
The Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic
No. PDR/CP/BEAR/1017807
Monsieur Kevin BIHAN-POUDEC
Founder of La Voix du Changement
92629 DANA POINT
UNITED STATES
Paris, [Date]
Sir,
The President of the Republic has received the recent correspondence you wished to send him.
Attentive to your approach, the Head of State has asked me to thank you and to assure you that he has indeed taken note of your concerns regarding the development of artificial intelligence and your proposal to draft a global ethical charter on AI.
As you know, the French Government is mindful to ensure that the rise of artificial intelligence does not come at the expense of humanity. That is why a commitment has been made to establish a regulatory framework that ensures respect for our values, security for all, and our sovereignty.
Given the stakes and the global nature of this technology, the construction of a legislative framework should take place on the scale of the European Union. Thus, last February, the "Artificial Intelligence Act," a pioneering text in the world, was approved by all member states of the EU. This regulation, which will gradually come into effect in the coming months, aims to regulate the use of AI and ensure its virtuous and transparent use.
Rest assured, therefore, that the Government, aware of the opportunity presented by this new technology and the upheavals it brings, is fully committed, alongside its partners, to contribute to building trustworthy artificial intelligence that reconciles ethical demands and innovation.
Please accept, Sir, the expression of my highest consideration.
Rodrigue FURCY
Presidency of the Republic
Palais de l'Élysée – 55, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
