As the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) surge ahead, regulatory measures struggle to keep pace. In a bid to bridge this gap, the European Commission is spearheading a collaborative effort with the United States to establish a voluntary code of conduct for AI. The move aims to strike a balance between harnessing AI’s potential and ensuring adequate safeguards are in place.
Voluntary Code of Conduct Proposed at US/EU Trade and Technology Council
During the recent US/EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, unveiled the proposal. She stressed the need for an initiative that would encourage countries to voluntarily sign up for an AI code of conduct for businesses. Vestager emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of technology and the urgency of collective action.
Mitigating Risks and Urgent Regulation
While generative AI tools offer promising economic prospects, concerns over their potential risks, such as misinformation and biased decision-making, loom large. Leading AI experts advocate for urgent global efforts to address the threat of AI-induced harm to democracy and human existence.
With the launch of ChatGPT by Google and Microsoft, the US IT giants, the digital innovation landscape enters a new era. However, government legislation to mitigate the potential negative impacts of this technology has lagged behind. Even if an agreement is reached within the year, the implementation of such legislation could take an additional two to three years, according to Vestager.
International Collaboration for AI Regulation
Vestager proposes an international agreement among G7 countries and invited partners, including India and Indonesia. If companies in these nations, representing approximately one-third of the global population, commit to a code of conduct and enact AI regulation, it could prove highly effective in mitigating risks.
During the fourth ministerial meeting of the TTC in Luleå, Sweden, Vestager and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged both the economic opportunities and societal risks associated with AI. They discussed the implementation of a joint roadmap for trustworthy AI and risk management, highlighting the importance of voluntary codes of conduct. Expert groups have been established within the TTC to develop standards and tools for trustworthy AI, with a specific focus on generative AI systems.
Vestager intends to present a draft code of conduct, incorporating industry input, in the coming weeks. She seeks support from countries such as Canada, the UK, Japan, and India to foster a collaborative approach in shaping AI regulation.
Private sector representatives have also emphasized the necessity of standards and evaluation to effectively regulate AI. They stress the importance of voluntary collaboration among the EU, US, G7, and other nations to expedite progress in this critical area.
A Crucial Moment for AI Governance
As AI technologies advance at an unprecedented pace, striking the right balance between innovation and responsible governance becomes paramount. The proposed voluntary code of conduct aims to provide a foundation for ethical AI practices while enabling industry growth. However, the road ahead requires broad international cooperation to ensure a future where AI benefits society while minimizing potential risks.
