Rapport unesco
17.12.2021

UNESCO – First draft on the recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence

UNESCO – First draft on the recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence

The document calls on member states to ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed in an ethical and peaceful manner. These are only recommendations, so the text is not legally enforceable. Member states are asked to put in place policy frameworks and tools, such as impact assessments (IAs) for AI systems, robust enforcement mechanisms and data management safeguards that protect individuals' privacy. The text also includes a call to ban AI systems used for mass surveillance and social scoring, as well as a call to ban autonomous weapons.

What: Report with recommendations for ethical values and principles

Impact score: 4

For who: Policy makers

URL: text report

Key takeaways for Flanders:

  • The text may have implications for the European AI Act. Indeed, UNESCO is calling for a general ban on AI systems used for social scoring and mass surveillance. The current proposal for the AI Act currently still provides exceptions for the use of these systems.
  • In Flanders, the STEM agenda is currently being developed. The STEM Agenda 2030 further focuses on a higher intake in STEM courses and careers, on STEM specialists and on the general strenghtening of STEM competences in the wider society: 'STEM literacy'. In that area, UNESCA recommends promoting the acquisition of basic skills for working with AI, as well as the application of skills in AI ethics.
  • UNESCO also calls for the active workforce to be actively retained and prepared for a changing labour market. The Supreme Council for Employment (Hoge Raad voor Werkgelegenheid) recently warned that Belgium needs to step up a gear in this area.
  • The recommendation calls for action beyond what tech companies and governments are doing to give individuals greater protection by ensuring transparency, participation and control over their personal data. This is in line with Flemish plans for a data utility company and personal data vaults for citizens.

Summary 

For a full summary on the subject, please consult the Dutch version of this web page. 

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