World Economic Forum: World Can Regulate AI. And Should.

The 2024 World Economic Forum has concluded, and everybody is on their way back home, hopefully to introduce initiatives based on what was so important to them that they went to the annual Davos pilgrimage to begin with.

Given all the dazzling capabilities and, as we already can see, the unlimited power of AI, the big question going in – and certainly even bigger coming out – is, can the world regulate AI while not stifling its potential? Or, in the converse, can we advance AI technology without ceding cooperative stances in the face of unethical advances made by bad actors (of which, we know, there is no shortage)?

The World Economic Forum says yes to both questions. At the same time, skeptics are saying “Yeah, right,” and other such less-than-confident retorts, and that there’s no way to stop the advancement of self-interest, the quest for bragging rights over blazing new innovations, and an unending quest for hegemony.

So, what gives?

Is this an insoluble puzzle? The immovable object vs the irresistible force? The beginning of a new, inevitable chaos? Are we in a drawing by M. C. Escher with staircases leading nowhere or water running uphill?

Governance

On the public affairs page of its website, the World Economic Forum states:

• World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance says a global effort is needed to create equitable access to artificial intelligence.
• Artificial intelligence holds the potential to address global challenges, but it also poses risks of widening existing digital divides or creating new ones.

The Forum’s AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) released three reports that focus on generative AI governance, unlocking its value and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment.

Says the Forum, “The alliance brings together governments, businesses and experts to shape responsible AI development applications and governance, and to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to this path-departing technology worldwide.”

And all around me, I keep hearing the skeptics’ “Yeah, right” response.

Here’s the question

Is there a roadmap for this sort of thing? Is there a precedent? A model? Or, at least, are we capable of imagining a whole new approach. Further, are we willing?

Setting aside for a moment the question of our willingness, the answer to all the other questions is a resounding yes.

The United Nations Trusteeship Council

One of six organs of the UN, founded at the San Francisco Conference in 1945, the Council’s mission was to oversee the decolonization of dependent territories around the globe, no small matter, as one-third of the world’s land area lived under colonial rule at that time. Skepticism was high.

Yet on November 1, 1994, the United Nations Trusteeship Council suspended its own operation, with fewer people around the world living under colonial rule than were living in the borough of Manhattan. In fewer than 50 years, the Council closed up shop, with the last guy out of the room turning off the lights and hanging a “Mission Accomplished” sign on the door. Although the Council is required by UN charter to exist on paper, it effectively and gladly put itself out of business. (Source: un.org)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

An intergovernmental organization founded in 1957 in response to growing international concern over nuclear weapons, especially in light of heightening US-USSR tensions, the IAEA came into being prompted by President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech.

Now, here we are, two-thirds of a century later, and it’s no secret that nine countries have well-developed nuclear weapons capabilities, but one irrefutable fact remains. Since the United States brought World War II to a close with two atomic bombs, not one nuclear weapon has been deployed. At the same time, 32 countries currently operate 401 reactors (with 57 more under construction) producing approximately 10% of the world’s electricity. (Source: IAEA)

By use of the carrot (agreements, alliances, and joint ventures) and the stick (inspections and sanctions) the IAEA has done a formidable and undeniable job.

The UN Trusteeship Council and the IAEA are two proofs positive that we know what it will take to simultaneously regulate and advance AI.

Now, the question remains: Are we willing?

This critical year ahead will tell.