Over 60 signatories, including the EU, African Union Commission, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, and Germany, but notably not the US or UK, endorsed a declaration at the AI Action Summit in Paris, committing to “inclusive and sustainable AI” aligned with UN initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agreement prioritizes international cooperation and governance, raising concerns about potential censorship disguised as addressing risks to “information integrity.” The declaration supports initiatives like the Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator and references the UN’s Global Digital Compact, which promotes digital ID and policies against “hate speech” and “misinformation,” potentially leading to censorship and increased data sharing under the guise of public safety.

Editor’s Note: The absence of the US and UK from the AI Action Summit’s declaration speaks volumes, hinting at a divergence in approaches to AI governance and raising questions about the pact’s global reach and potential impact. While the stated goals of inclusive and sustainable AI are laudable, the reliance on UN initiatives like the SDGs and the Global Digital Compact raises concerns about the erosion of free speech under the guise of combating “misinformation” and “hate speech.” Though the legal enforceability of such declarations is often murky, their power lies in shaping international norms and providing a framework for national legislation, potentially leading to a chilling effect on dissenting voices and increased surveillance through digital ID programs. The real danger lies in the gradual normalization of censorship and data sharing, disguised as necessary measures for the collective good, ultimately undermining individual liberties and open discourse.

To better understand the context of this article, we encourage you to read the article The Pact for the Future and Its Unintended Consequences.

Read Original Article