'We Are Definitely Not Alone': G7 Nations Set to Restrain ChatGPT as Multiple Countries Contemplate AI Regulations
The Group of Seven (G7) countries have recently reaffirmed their commitment to adopting "risk-based" regulations for artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. The digital ministries of G7 nations are taking action, given the growing popularity of AI platforms with concerns over privacy, and several European countries are contemplating an AI act to enforce these regulations.
This significant development highlights the need for regulations and demonstrates that developed nations are now taking steps to address the challenges of controlling AI technology. Italy, a G7 member, initially banned ChatGPT due to privacy concerns, although the ban was lifted on Friday. Nonetheless, several privacy-strict European nations are still discussing the matter.
The G7 members have stressed that regulations should "preserve an open and enabling environment" for the advancement of AI technologies, based on democratic values. While they have recognized that "policy instruments to achieve the common vision and goal of trustworthy AI may vary across G7 members," the agreement provides a template for AI governance.
"The conclusions of this G7 meeting show that we are definitely not alone in this," said European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager ahead of the agreement.
The use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has attracted significant interest worldwide, with the chatbot, developed by OpenAI, achieving record-breaking growth since its launch in November. The ministers intend to convene future G7 discussions on generative AI, which could cover governance, safeguarding intellectual property rights (including copyright), promoting transparency, and addressing foreign disinformation and information manipulation.
On Thursday, lawmakers in the European Union (EU) reached a preliminary agreement on a revised version of the upcoming AI Act. The revised draft incorporates clauses aimed at safeguarding copyright with respect to generative AI. This move comes in response to a call for a summit of world leaders to address the challenges of controlling this technology.
As we continue to see the rapid advancement of AI technology, it is essential that regulations are put in place to protect privacy and intellectual property rights. The G7's commitment to adopting "risk-based" regulations highlights the need for AI governance, an issue that will continue to be discussed in future meetings.
