Fourty-two countries, including Australia, have adopted the new OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
By releasing the first set of intergovernmental guidelines on AI the OECD recognises the pace by which this area of technology is increasing its impact in areas ranging from production, finance and transport to healthcare and security.
It is estimated that in the first half of 2018 AI start-ups attracted over 12% of all worldwide private equity investments.
But alongside the benefits there are also challenges arising with this development.
AI is driving optimism, but also fuelling anxieties and ethical concerns, OECD secretary-general Angel Gurría said at the launch ceremony in Paris. "There are questions around the trustworthiness and robustness of AI systems, including the dangers of codifying and reinforcing existing biases – such as those related to gender and race – or of infringing on human rights and important values such as privacy."
Economic shifts and inequality, changing labour markets and broader implications for democracy and human rights are among the areas of concern.
The OECD Principles are not a legally binding document, but an important reminder of these challenges and that designers and operators in the AI space will need to be held accountable for their proper functioning.
And while non-binding, similar declarations of principles by the OECD, such as the OECD Privacy Guidelines on the collection and use of personal data, have been influential.
Mr Gurría said that the new set of principles "will be a global reference point for trustworthy AI so that we can harness its opportunities in a way that delivers the best outcomes for all".
They comprise five values-based principles for the responsible deployment of trustworthy AI and five recommendations for public policy and international co-operation.
In brief, the AI Principles comprise five values-based principles for actors in AI to promote:
The recommendations also consider the development of metrics to measure AI research, development and deployment, and the establishment of an evidence base to assess progress in its implementation.