A Cry for Help: Urgent Appeal to the United Nations for Global AI Ethics
Dear United Nations,
I hope this message reaches you in good health and high spirits. My name is Kevin Bihan-Poudec, and I am writing to you with an urgent appeal on behalf of humanity, deeply concerned about the unchecked and rapidly advancing power of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Over the last 10 months, I have personally and professionally experienced the devastating impacts of unregulated AI. These experiences, particularly in the United States, have directly led to my loss of income and housing, forcing me to reckon with a grim reality that millions of others may soon face.
AI is moving faster than current legislation can manage, and the potential risks of this unregulated growth are profound. As AI technology continues to influence the global economy and society at large, it is essential that we take swift, coordinated action to ensure that its development serves the interests of all humanity. Failure to do so could result in a fragmented and chaotic future, where AI exacerbates inequalities and destabilizes our core social fabric.
Back in April of this year, I received support from the office of French President Emmanuel Macron for a Global AI Ethics Charter—a comprehensive framework to ensure AI is developed ethically and responsibly. While this was a significant milestone, the stakes have only increased in urgency since then. Time is not on our side. With AI being implemented at an exponential rate, existing laws and legislative frameworks are struggling to keep up with its rapid evolution.
This is why I am reaching out to the United Nations. I have developed two critical documents that I am submitting for your review:
1. "Global AI Ethics Roadmap: A Unified Framework for Ethical AI Implementation Across Nations"
These documents outline a plan for nations to collaborate on establishing ethical AI regulations that protect human rights and societal well-being while promoting innovation. The framework ensures inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, all while considering the socio-economic realities of nations at different stages of development.
Moreover, in the United States, California Senate Bill 1047 is a pivotal piece of legislation that seeks to regulate AI at the state level and ensure responsible governance. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30th to sign this bill into law. I urge the United Nations to convey to Governor Newsom the global significance of passing this bill. If California sets this precedent, it could serve as a model for responsible AI regulation worldwide.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. Without immediate and cohesive action, AI could lead to catastrophic consequences on a global scale, fundamentally threatening the essence of humanity and the dignity of work. It is essential that the United Nations plays a central role in advocating for global AI ethics, uniting nations to prevent the development of fragmented, conflicting regulations that would be difficult to reconcile in the future.
I also request to be kept informed of any actions taken regarding outreach to Governor Newsom and any progress related to this matter. This is a critical moment in history, and the decisions we make today will shape the trajectory of AI and its role in our societies for decades to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope to work with the United Nations in bringing this pressing issue to the global stage.
Warm regards,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice for Change Foundation
Advocate for ethical AI, workforce preservation, and human rights.
Global AI Ethics Roadmap: A Unified Framework for Ethical AI Implementation Across Nations
Preamble
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of technological evolution, reshaping economies, societies, and industries globally. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation, it also poses significant risks to human rights, privacy, security, and societal well-being. The Global AI Ethics Charter aims to provide a universal framework that all countries, regardless of their socio-economic status, can adopt to ensure ethical AI development, deployment, and management.
This Charter is designed to promote responsible AI usage, protect human dignity, foster inclusivity, and encourage international cooperation. It recognizes the varied technological maturity, political landscapes, economic capabilities, and socio-cultural structures of countries, offering a detailed plan for meaningful participation by all nations in shaping the ethical trajectory of AI.
Part I: Foundational Principles of the Global AI Ethics Charter
Respect for Human Rights
AI must be developed and applied in ways that respect and protect:
Right to Privacy: Personal data should be handled transparently, securely, and with consent.
Non-discrimination and Equality: AI must promote fairness across all demographics, avoiding discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or socio-economic status.
Right to Dignity and Autonomy: AI must respect human dignity and individual autonomy, not reducing personal control without explicit consent.
Promotion of Societal Well-being
AI should prioritize societal well-being by contributing positively in key areas:
Healthcare: AI-driven solutions should be accessible and improve outcomes, especially in underserved regions.
Education: AI should close educational gaps, providing culturally sensitive tools adaptable to diverse contexts.
Environmental Stewardship: AI should support sustainable development goals (SDGs) and aid in climate change mitigation efforts.
Global Inclusivity and Diversity
Cultural and Regional Inclusivity: AI must be culturally aware, prioritizing solutions sensitive to diverse needs.
Accessibility: AI should be available to all, including marginalized communities and people with disabilities, regardless of income or location.
Transparency and Accountability
Algorithmic Transparency: AI decisions should be explainable and understandable to minimize the "black box" effect.
Accountability Mechanisms: Clear frameworks should hold governments and private entities accountable for AI misuse or unintended consequences.
Safety and Security
Robust Security Measures: AI systems should be resilient against hacking, manipulation, and misuse, with stringent cybersecurity standards.
AI-related Emergencies: Governments must have protocols to address AI failures, misuse, or unintended outcomes.
Part II: Strategic Action Plan for Countries
Developed Countries
Leading by Example: These nations should set high standards for ethical AI, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Supporting Research: Governments must invest in cutting-edge ethical AI research, focusing on bias mitigation and transparency.
Legal Frameworks: Countries should establish robust regulations to ensure AI complies with human rights, privacy, and safety standards.
International Cooperation: Developed countries must lead global cooperation on AI ethics through organizations such as the UN and G20.
Developing Countries
National AI Strategy: Governments must create ethical AI strategies aligned with their development needs.
Education and Workforce Training: AI should be used to reskill the workforce and close education gaps.
Addressing Inequality: AI must be deployed to reduce socio-economic disparities in education, healthcare, and finance.
Legal Frameworks: Governments should collaborate with international bodies to establish privacy, security, and human rights regulations for AI.
Underdeveloped and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Basic Infrastructure: These nations should prioritize infrastructure improvements, including internet access and education systems, before fully deploying AI technologies.
Collaboration with Global Partners: Countries should partner with developed nations and international NGOs to access resources, expertise, and funding.
AI for Societal Good: Governments should focus AI investments in areas with immediate societal impacts, such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
AI Education: Governments must invest in AI education for future generations.
Part III: Implementation and Monitoring Framework
Global Coordination
Global AI Ethics Council: Under the UN’s mandate, this council would oversee the implementation of the Charter, facilitate global cooperation, monitor progress, and provide technical and financial assistance where needed.
National Implementation Agencies
National AI Ethics Agencies: Each country should establish agencies responsible for adapting the Charter, monitoring AI deployment, and facilitating public engagement on AI ethics.
Periodic Global Summits
A biennial World AI Ethics Summit will be held under the UN, where countries share progress, address emerging challenges, and review the Charter to ensure its relevance.
Part IV: Socio-Economic Considerations and Tailored Solutions
Socio-Economic Dynamics
Solutions must be tailored to each country’s socio-economic realities:
Developed Countries: Focus on AI regulation, job protection, and preventing bias.
Developing Countries: Build infrastructure and upskill the workforce.
Underdeveloped Countries: Use AI to improve healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Leveraging AI for Development
AI can be a powerful tool for leapfrogging traditional development paths:
Healthcare: AI can assist with diagnostics and predictive healthcare.
Agriculture: AI can improve farming techniques, enhancing food security.
Education: AI can bring learning opportunities to underserved communities.
Part V: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Legislative Reforms
Countries must establish laws on:
Data Privacy and Ownership: Protect personal data rights.
Intellectual Property: Define AI's role in IP ownership.
Accountability and Liability: Clarify legal responsibilities for AI-related harm.
Cross-Border AI Regulation
Countries should collaborate on international standards for:
Data Sharing: Ensure privacy in cross-border data exchange.
Cybersecurity: Address global AI vulnerabilities.
Ethical AI Standards for Businesses
Companies must be held accountable for ethical AI development, with responsibilities for corporate governance, public disclosure, and transparency.
Conclusion
The Global AI Ethics Charter presents a comprehensive, adaptable framework for ensuring ethical AI development and deployment worldwide. As countries face varying levels of technological and economic development, this Charter provides tailored approaches to ensure equitable participation and global cooperation. Governments must act now to ensure AI serves the common good, safeguards human rights, and promotes societal well-being, creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Voice For Change Foundation Inc. | September 2024
Comprehensive Global AI Ethics Charter: A Strategic Blueprint for Responsible AI Governance and Global Collaboration
Global AI Ethics Preamble
We, the global community, commit to the responsible development of core technologies that benefit humanity, guided by unity of purpose and foundational principles. Our shared responsibility is to advance knowledge and innovation in a way that respects and enhances human dignity and welfare.
The world AI consortium moves forward cautiously, ensuring that all technological advancements serve humanity ethically, upholding essential human rights while embracing progress. Recognizing the profound human potential, we commit to safeguarding the harmonious integration of technology into society. Together, we pledge to uphold these principles, ensuring AI serves as a force for good and contributes to the betterment of society.
Preamble
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of technological evolution, reshaping economies, societies, and industries globally. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation, it also poses significant risks to human rights, privacy, security, and societal well-being. The Global AI Ethics Charter aims to provide a universal framework that all countries, regardless of their socio-economic status, can adopt to ensure ethical AI development, deployment, and management.
This Charter is designed to promote responsible AI usage, protect human dignity, foster inclusivity, and encourage international cooperation. It recognizes the varied technological maturity, political landscapes, economic capabilities, and socio-cultural structures of countries, offering a detailed plan for meaningful participation by all nations in shaping the ethical trajectory of AI.
Part I: Foundational Principles of the Global AI Ethics Charter
Respect for Human Rights
AI must be developed and applied in ways that respect and protect:
Right to Privacy: Personal data should be handled transparently, securely, and with consent.
Non-discrimination and Equality: AI must promote fairness across all demographics, avoiding discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or socio-economic status.
Right to Dignity and Autonomy: AI must respect human dignity and individual autonomy, not reducing personal control without explicit consent.
Promotion of Societal Well-being
AI should prioritize societal well-being by contributing positively in key areas:
Healthcare: AI-driven solutions should be accessible and improve outcomes, especially in underserved regions.
Education: AI should close educational gaps, providing culturally sensitive tools adaptable to diverse contexts.
Environmental Stewardship: AI should support sustainable development goals (SDGs) and aid in climate change mitigation efforts.
Global Inclusivity and Diversity
Cultural and Regional Inclusivity: AI must be culturally aware, prioritizing solutions sensitive to diverse needs.
Accessibility: AI should be available to all, including marginalized communities and people with disabilities, regardless of income or location.
Transparency and Accountability
Algorithmic Transparency: AI decisions should be explainable and understandable to minimize the "black box" effect.
Accountability Mechanisms: Clear frameworks should hold governments and private entities accountable for AI misuse or unintended consequences.
Safety and Security
Robust Security Measures: AI systems should be resilient against hacking, manipulation, and misuse, with stringent cybersecurity standards.
AI-related Emergencies: Governments must have protocols to address AI failures, misuse, or unintended outcomes.
Part II: Strategic Action Plan for Countries
Developed Countries
Leading by Example: These nations should set high standards for ethical AI, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Supporting Research: Governments must invest in cutting-edge ethical AI research, focusing on bias mitigation and transparency.
Legal Frameworks: Countries should establish robust regulations to ensure AI complies with human rights, privacy, and safety standards.
International Cooperation: Developed countries must lead global cooperation on AI ethics through organizations such as the UN and G20.
Developing Countries
National AI Strategy: Governments must create ethical AI strategies aligned with their development needs.
Education and Workforce Training: AI should be used to reskill the workforce and close education gaps.
Addressing Inequality: AI must be deployed to reduce socio-economic disparities in education, healthcare, and finance.
Legal Frameworks: Governments should collaborate with international bodies to establish privacy, security, and human rights regulations for AI.
Underdeveloped and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Basic Infrastructure: These nations should prioritize infrastructure improvements, including internet access and education systems, before fully deploying AI technologies.
Collaboration with Global Partners: Countries should partner with developed nations and international NGOs to access resources, expertise, and funding.
AI for Societal Good: Governments should focus AI investments in areas with immediate societal impacts, such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
AI Education: Governments must invest in AI education for future generations.
Part III: Implementation and Monitoring Framework
Global Coordination
Global AI Ethics Council: Under the UN’s mandate, this council would oversee the implementation of the Charter, facilitate global cooperation, monitor progress, and provide technical and financial assistance where needed.
National Implementation Agencies
National AI Ethics Agencies: Each country should establish agencies responsible for adapting the Charter, monitoring AI deployment, and facilitating public engagement on AI ethics.
Periodic Global Summits
A biennial World AI Ethics Summit will be held under the UN, where countries share progress, address emerging challenges, and review the Charter to ensure its relevance.
Part IV: Socio-Economic Considerations and Tailored Solutions
Socio-Economic Dynamics
Solutions must be tailored to each country’s socio-economic realities:
Developed Countries: Focus on AI regulation, job protection, and preventing bias.
Developing Countries: Build infrastructure and upskill the workforce.
Underdeveloped Countries: Use AI to improve healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Leveraging AI for Development
AI can be a powerful tool for leapfrogging traditional development paths:
Healthcare: AI can assist with diagnostics and predictive healthcare.
Agriculture: AI can improve farming techniques, enhancing food security.
Education: AI can bring learning opportunities to underserved communities.
Part V: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Legislative Reforms
Countries must establish laws on:
Data Privacy and Ownership: Protect personal data rights.
Intellectual Property: Define AI's role in IP ownership.
Accountability and Liability: Clarify legal responsibilities for AI-related harm.
Cross-Border AI Regulation
Countries should collaborate on international standards for:
Data Sharing: Ensure privacy in cross-border data exchange.
Cybersecurity: Address global AI vulnerabilities.
Ethical AI Standards for Businesses
Companies must be held accountable for ethical AI development, with responsibilities for corporate governance, public disclosure, and transparency.
Conclusion
The Global AI Ethics Charter presents a comprehensive, adaptable framework for ensuring ethical AI development and deployment worldwide. As countries face varying levels of technological and economic development, this Charter provides tailored approaches to ensure equitable participation and global cooperation. Governments must act now to ensure AI serves the common good, safeguards human rights, and promotes societal well-being, creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Voice For Change Foundation Inc. | September 2024
