The G-7 industrialized nations called for international standards on assessing risks related to generative AI during the digital and technology ministers meeting in Takasaki, Japan. The group aims to promote the technology’s safe development while addressing concerns of bias, misinformation, copyright infringement, and other harmful impacts. The five principles agreed upon by participants include the rule of law, due process, innovation opportunities, democracy, and respect for human rights. A statement on the matter is expected to be released at the meeting’s end on Sunday.
Following the digital and technology ministers meeting, Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Takeaki Matsumoto, stated that “We were able to share policies for promoting the development and utilization of AI.”
In response to concerns over the use of AI, the G-7 has proposed a plan to create consistent international standards to prepare for its widespread use.
To avoid inhibiting progress in the technology, the G-7 is seeking to establish international standards for evaluating AI technologies. While respecting the regulations set by each country, the aim is to ensure that AI risk assessments do not become inconsistent across countries.
The proposed international standards will address issues such as whether AI programs are learning from unbiased data or whether there is discrimination based on race, location, and other factors when used for hiring employees.
The G-7’s proposed international standards for evaluating AI technology will require that the data used to teach the AI be stored to ensure transparency. The statement will also include calls for human supervision of AI, data processing that ensures privacy protection, and a defense system against cyberattacks.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and private players, including the Alan Turing Institute in the U.K., are leading the development of evaluation standards. Meanwhile, the European Union is leading the way on AI regulation, with legislation under consideration that will allow AI applications with a high risk of violating human rights only if they meet certain standards, with details expected to be released next year.
European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager stated that the commission plans to introduce regulations governing services like ChatGPT by December, given their rapid adoption.
While the U.S. and Japan have previously explored flexible guidelines for AI in both the public and private sectors, the growing use of ChatGPT has prompted some to suggest the need for more stringent regulations.
The U.S. Commerce Department has expressed concerns over the potential misuse of AI for discrimination and the spread of false information, and has solicited suggestions for creating an AI auditing system.
To ensure regulations are coherent and investment in AI development is not hindered, G-7 countries are coordinating their approach to regulatory discussions, even as discussions proceed swiftly. Additionally, Japan will establish an AI strategy council in May to devise policies for government agencies and ministries. The Saturday meeting also addressed measures to facilitate the smooth transfer of data across borders. “Data is a crucial component for progress, and generative AI cannot function without it,” stated Taro Kono, Japan’s digital minister, during a news conference.
