University of Stirling expert behind landmark UN declaration on artificial intelligence

A University of Stirling risk management expert is behind a declaration from the United Nations (UN) calling for and fostering global regulatory coherence on artificial intelligence (AI). 

Honorary Professor Markus Krebsz, of the University of Stirling Management School, developed the overarching principles adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which recommends that products and services embedded with AI comply with common international standards. 

With last week’s landmark declaration, UNECE is now calling for global cooperation and coherence from UN member states to address the regulatory challenges surrounding AI embedded products.

Among the products and services covered by the proposals are internet-enabled toys with AI, civilian drones, robots, AI-enabled medical diagnostic tools, smart speakers, the newest ranges of AI-powered security cameras and other devices such as smartphones. 

The end goal is to ensure that products that enter the market are safe for consumers and that the AI elements do not negatively impact human autonomy, mental wellbeing or individual freedoms whilst encouraging AI implementations that advance environmental, economic and social objectives, said UNECE. 

Professor Krebsz, the lead on the UNECE working party on the issue and Founding Director of the Human-AI Institute, said: “This is an important step in not only facilitating trade and regulatory coherence, but also addressing key societal challenges like trustworthiness, privacy, cybersecurity and reducing the global digital divide. The framework encourages continuous compliance and the sharing of best practices to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technologies whilst aligning with the UN’s Global Digital Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”  

The UN/UNECE has now published the overarching principles in booklets in English, French and Russian language, which are available for download here. 

The next step for UNECE will be to invite governments and national agencies to participate in new implementation projects, aimed at bringing the principles of the common regulatory agreement to specific sectors, such as medical devices, electrical appliances and/or toys. 

Professor Krebsz added: “Looking further ahead, although autonomous weapons are currently not within its scope, the regulatory guidance published could easily apply within the context of national defence strategies. I would encourage member states to consider developing a binding UN convention/treaty for AI systems posing systemic and potentially catastrophic risks.”