‘A global reference point for trustworthy AI’ is how the OECD headlines this report from their Council on Artificial Intelligence.

They note optimism about economic growth from AI and at the same time notice ‘anxieties and ethical concerns,’ which they seek to address.

The principles and recommendations of the Council have been adopted by the 36 member states of the OECD. They were joined by Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Romania.

Five values guide their ‘responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI’: 

  • inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being
  • human-centred values and fairness
  • transparency and explainability
  • robustness, security and safety
  • accountability

The 42 nations agree on five principles:

  1. AI should benefit people and the planet by driving inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being.
  2. AI systems should be designed in a way that respects the rule of law, human rights, democratic values and diversity, and they should include appropriate safeguards – for example, enabling human intervention where necessary – to ensure a fair and just society.
  3. There should be transparency and responsible disclosure around AI systems to ensure that people understand when they are engaging with them and can challenge outcomes.
  4. AI systems must function in a robust, secure and safe way throughout their lifetimes, and potential risks should be continually assessed and managed.
  5. Organizations and individuals developing, deploying or operating AI systems should be held accountable for their proper functioning in line with the above principles.

Recommended actions for governments are:

  • Facilitate public and private investment in research & development to spur innovation in trustworthy AI.
  • Foster accessible AI ecosystems with digital infrastructure and technologies, and mechanisms to share data and knowledge.
  • Create a policy environment that will open the way to deployment of trustworthy AI systems.
  • Equip people with the skills for AI and support workers to ensure a fair transition.
  • Co-operate across borders and sectors to share information, develop standards and work towards responsible stewardship of AI.

‘Many countries are developing national policy initiatives on AI but it’s clear we must work towards common solutions to such concerns.’

OECD Secretary-General

SEE FULL REPORT

Recommendation of the Council on Artificial Intelligence | OECD | May 22, 2019

SEE RELATED DOCUMENTS

OECD Press Release
Forty-two countries adopt new OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence | OECD | May 22, 2019 | by the Press Office

OECD principles summary pamphlet
Direct download

Remarks by Angle Gurria, OECD Secretary-General
Launch Ceremony for the Adoption of the OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence

OECD book: Artificial Intelligence in Society | June 2019
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