As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for cohesive and effective governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly apparent. The United Nations adopted two AI resolutions earlier this year. After this, the next major UN process touching on the global governance of AI will be the Global Digital Compact (GDC). GDC aims to establish shared principles that govern the digital realm, including AI technologies. How will the GDC influence the global AI governance?

The Evolution of the GDC's AI Governance Terms Through Its Various Drafts

The Global Digital Compact has undergone several revisions, each refining its approach to AI governance:

• Zero Draft: The initial draft of the GDC presented a broad vision for digital governance, briefly touching on AI. It emphasized the need for ethical AI development and highlighted concerns about bias and accountability. However, the specifics of governance frameworks were limited, reflecting a more conceptual approach.
• First Revision: The first revision introduced more concrete proposals. It called for the establishment of international guidelines for AI development and deployment, emphasizing the importance of transparency and human rights. This version began to outline mechanisms for cooperation among nations, recognizing the shared challenges posed by AI.
• Second Revision: In the second revision, the focus on AI governance intensified. This draft included recommendations for creating a global registry of AI systems to monitor compliance with ethical standards. It also proposed the formation of a multistakeholder advisory group to ensure diverse representation in AI governance discussions, aiming for a more inclusive approach.
• Third Revision: The latest revision reflects a more nuanced understanding of AI's global implications. It emphasizes the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks that can evolve alongside technological advancements. This draft underscores the importance of public engagement and accountability, calling for partnerships between governments, industry, and civil society to ensure AI serves the public good.

Influence of the Global Digital Compact on Global AI Governance

The GDC has the potential to influence global AI governance in several ways significantly:

• Setting International Standards: By establishing shared principles and guidelines, the GDC can provide a foundation for countries to develop their own AI governance frameworks. This harmonization is crucial for addressing cross-border challenges and promoting responsible AI practices.
• Fostering Collaboration: The GDC promotes multistakeholder engagement, encouraging collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is essential for creating comprehensive governance structures that consider diverse perspectives and expertise.
• Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: The emphasis on transparency and accountability within the GDC is likely to shape how AI technologies are developed and deployed globally. By advocating for these principles, the GDC aims to build public trust in AI systems and mitigate risks associated with their use.
• Adapting to Rapid Technological Change: The GDC's call for adaptive regulatory frameworks acknowledges the fast-paced nature of technological advancements. This flexibility will be crucial in ensuring that governance measures remain relevant and effective in managing emerging AI challenges.

Some Worrying Aspects: Ideological Conflict

The role of government in global AI governance is crucial, particularly as nations navigate the complexities of AI technologies. Although AI governance cannot be separated from the participation of the state and the government, the participation of multiple stakeholders should not be ignored, let alone politicized. Unfortunately, we have seen some countries with faster AI development doing just that. For example, when reporting on the United Nations' first resolution on AI, the U.S. State Department emphasized the phrase "led by the United States" to show it is keen on promoting its technological standards and practices as benchmarks for other nations. Meanwhile, the House Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee of the U.S. emphasized at a hearing on AI policy recommendations to the White House the need to incorporate American values into its institutions in the early stages of artificial intelligence development and production, otherwise, it would open the door for hostile foreign countries to control the values that drive the technology. Such ideological conflict even goes beyond AI governance. There is also a new set of regulations by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, ostensibly about net neutrality but also driven by national security fears about China. In the name of national security, the FCC is attempting to regulate the way ISPs do BGP routing. 

The Need for Cooperation

AI presents complex challenges that transcend national borders, such as misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and ethical dilemmas in autonomous systems. Effective governance requires collaboration among nations to develop comprehensive strategies that address these issues. This can be achieved through dialogue and engagement that emphasizes shared goals, such as promoting safety and ethical standards in AI development. The GDC offers an opportunity that enables different communities to engage in constructive dialogues overcoming the silo assessments of specific disciplines; in particular, the gaps between technical, legal, and policy perspectives should be overcome. By focusing on common interests rather than ideological differences, countries can work towards establishing a more unified approach to AI governance. Hopefully, GDC can be one of the mechanisms to ensure collaborative efforts where the international community harnesses the potential of AI while mitigating its risks.