The world needs to make global rules for AI soon. This week, the top technology leader at the United Nations said this is very important. She warned that if countries do not work together, AI could become more dangerous and unfair. AI is changing the world very fast, so we must make sure it helps everyone and does not cause harm.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the UN's International Telecommunications Union. She told a group of journalists (AFP) she hoped AI "could actually help people." She also expressed concern about the rapid growth of AI. Many people are worried that AI could take away jobs, create fake videos (called "deepfakes"), and affect the way we live and communicate.
She stressed the importance of having rules in place for AI. She said that it was urgent to put in place the right rules. She wants to see the world adopt a global approach. This means that all countries should work together in order to make rules.
Her message comes after US president Donald Trump revealed a new plan in the past week. In his plan, he wants to reduce the number of rules in AI so that the US can keep up with China. The plan contains more than 90 ideas, and wants to remove many regulations so that companies can work quicker with AI.
She didn't directly answer when asked if the US plan had fewer rules. She said that she's still thinking about it.
She said "There are many ways to view AI." She said that the European Union had a plan. China is working on a new plan. United States also has a new plan. She said that it was important for these countries to communicate with each other, and to work together.
She said that 85 percent of countries have no rules or ideas on how to use AI. This means that most countries aren't ready for AI. Some countries are interested in building new tools to help people learn but do not discuss rules.
Bogdan-Martin says that the world needs to discuss this question: How many rules is too much? How many rules are enough? All countries should agree on this.
Bogdan-Martin is a longtime employee of the ITU. She was born in New Jersey. She said that the ITU was a great group for countries to talk about AI and create rules. "A global approach is essential," she said. It means that it is extremely, very important to work together.
If every country has different rules, fragmented will mean broken apart. This will not benefit the people. Some people could be left behind if countries and large companies do not consider safety and move too quickly.
AI, according to the ITU leader, is a growing field. It can be used to help people in a variety of ways. It can improve schools, farms and hospitals. She said that we need to ensure that everyone, not just the rich or wealthy countries, can benefit from AI.
She said that if we didn't work together, AI could "promote inequalities." This means that it will benefit some people but hurt those who have less.
She stated, "We still have 2,6 billion people without internet." This means that they are unable to use AI. We must also help them. AI will only benefit some people and leave the rest behind if we do not.
If we want AI technology to benefit all of humanity, then these issues must be addressed.
Bogdan-Martin has been the ITU's leader for almost 160 years, and is the 1st woman. She also said that we need to be more women in the AI and technology field.
She said: "We have an enormous gap." This means that men are more likely to work in AI. She said, "We don't employ enough women in AI."
She has four children. She described it as a great honor to be the very first woman to hold this position. She wants to encourage other women and girls to join the technology industry. She said that there was a lot more pressure on her to perform well than she did before, as she is the first female.
She stated that she would like to continue working at her current job for four more years. The Trump administration is encouraging her to remain in her job.
1. What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence is AI. Artificial Intelligence is when machines or computers can learn, think or act like humans.
2. Why do people worry about AI?
AI could take jobs, create fake videos (deepfakes), spread falsehoods, or even be used unfairly.
3. What is ITU?
ITU is an organization within the United Nations which helps countries to develop technology regulations. Doreen is ITU's boss.
4. Why does it matter if different countries have AI rules?
The problem is that some people are safe and others are not. This makes it difficult to use AI the same way in all places.
5. How many people are without internet?
Around 2.6 billion people lack internet access. This means that they are unable to use AI and many online tools.
