A huge challenge now lies in regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI), relying on knowledge sharing and best practices derived from multiple jurisdictions globally.
UNESCO, through its unique approach to bioethics, has led international efforts to ensure that science and technology develop within an ethical framework. For decades, it has set universal standards in areas such as genetic research, climate change, and scientific research, with the aim of maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
In response to the rapid advancement of AI, UNESCO recognizes that while this technology presents global opportunities in fields such as health, human interconnectivity, and labor efficiency, it also poses profound ethical dilemmas. Concern arises that AI systems may perpetuate prejudice, contribute to climate deterioration, and threaten human rights. These risks associated with AI further accentuate existing inequalities, particularly disadvantaging historically marginalized groups.
Therefore, UNESCO has established four core values to guide the development and use of AI: respecting human rights and human dignity, promoting peaceful and interconnected societies, ensuring diversity and inclusion, and promoting the flourishing of the environment and ecosystems.
AI approach must be based on human rights
To realize these values, UNESCO has established fundamental principles that focus on human rights. Among them, the following stand out:
- Proportionate and safe use of AI: The use of AI systems should be limited to what is strictly necessary to achieve a legitimate objective. Risks must be assessed to prevent any potential harm from improper use.
- Privacy and data protection: Unwanted proportional risks (security risks) and vulnerabilities to potential attacks (protection risk) must be avoided and due consideration must be given.
- Right to privacy and data protection: It is crucial to preserve and promote privacy at all stages of AI development and implementation, and to establish appropriate frameworks for data protection.
- Governance and collaboration: When using data, it is essential to respect both international law and national sovereignty. Engaging diverse stakeholders at all stages of the AI lifecycle is necessary for the creation of inclusive governance approaches.
- Responsibility and accountability: It is essential that AI systems are auditable and traceable. Mechanisms for monitoring, impact assessment, audits, and due diligence must be in place to anticipate any conflict with human rights standards and to avoid threats to the environment.
- Transparency and explainability: The ethical implementation of AI systems is based on their level of transparency and explainability. However, the level of these aspects must be adapted to the context since there could be tensions between transparency and explainability and other principles such as privacy, safety, and security.
- Equity and non-discrimination: AI stakeholders must promote social justice, protect equity, and fight discrimination, adopting an inclusive approach to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.
In summary, UNESCO plays a fundamental role in leading international efforts aimed at the development of science and technology from an ethical perspective, establishing universal norms and values related to artificial intelligence, as well as promoting sustainable policies for its responsible evolution.
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