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A Framework for Global Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and Its Governance

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Reflections on Artificial Intelligence for Humanity

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNAI,volume 12600))

Abstract

In this chapter we put forward a framework for global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its governance, with the aim to ensure that humanity can enjoy its benefits while preventing and minimizing its risks. The chapter is structured along three sections, focusing respectively on the why, what and how of global cooperation. First, we set out why AI requires governance and why its governance necessitates global cooperation. Particular focus is given to the need for a level playing field that secures citizen protection across the globe, enables socially beneficial innovation, and stimulates healthy competition to disseminate AI’s benefits. Second, we list what the substantive areas are on which global cooperation on AI should be prioritized, and argue for a holistic approach along two dimensions. The first dimension is horizontal, and aims to identify minimum requirements that cover the entire socio-technical environment of AI in a transversal manner. In addition to AI-systems, we urge to consider the socio-technical environments of data and digital infrastructure, which are inextricably interwoven therewith. The second dimension is vertical, and aims at cooperation around domain-specific areas that require a more tailored approach to maximize AI’s benefits for humanity, to prevent and minimize its risks and to address ad-hoc issues. Third, we assess how global cooperation should be organized. We stress the need to balance speed, holism and contextualism, and provide a number of guiding principles that can inform the process of global cooperation initiatives on AI and its governance.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In this regard, we also refer to the recommendations we propose in the final section of this chapter, focusing in particular on clarifying the rules of engagement between cooperation actors and ensuring a transparent cooperation process.

  2. 2.

    It can be noted that a number of initiatives have started work in this regard, including ISO [70], CEN-CENELEC [65], ETSI [67] and NIST [72].

  3. 3.

    A number of research centers scattered around the world have the specific aim (and funding) to develop applications of Artificial General Intelligence and Artificial Consciousness. Regardless of the likelihood that this aim proves realistic or successful, the magnitude of risk that would be raised thereby calls for a common global stance and vigilance.

  4. 4.

    It should be noted, however, that the EU Treaties only allow for the use of this mechanism when no agreement can be found with all EU member states. At the same time, EU countries have also pursued ‘differentiated cooperation’ outside the scope of the EU Treaties.

  5. 5.

    Such power asymmetries are often accompanied by an asymmetry of the (negative) consequences endured by the development and use of AI at global level. Attention should therefore be paid not only to the opportunities and risks generated by AI, but also to the potential shifts in power that AI may induce – whether between and amongst countries, or between and amongst public actors, private actors and individuals [24, 30].

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Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful for the helpful remarks received from Leo Kärkkäinen and Barry O’Sullivan on an earlier draft of this paper. They also acknowledge the useful comments suggested by Bertrand Braunschweig.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chair of the EC High-Level Expert Group on AI & AI Finland, Helsinki, Finland

    Pekka Ala-Pietilä

  2. Faculty of Law (FWO Fellow), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Nathalie A. Smuha

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  1. Pekka Ala-Pietilä
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  2. Nathalie A. Smuha
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Correspondence to Nathalie A. Smuha .

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    Bertrand Braunschweig

  2. LAAS-CNRS, Toulouse, France

    Malik Ghallab

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Ala-Pietilä, P., Smuha, N.A. (2021). A Framework for Global Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and Its Governance. In: Braunschweig, B., Ghallab, M. (eds) Reflections on Artificial Intelligence for Humanity. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12600. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69128-8_15

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