Lessons from G-20 Leaders’ Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

The G-20, a forum of the world's major economies, has a crucial role in ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI and other emerging technologies while discouraging their weaponization. With its diverse membership and collective economic power, the G-20 is well-positioned to address the complex issues surrounding AI and emerging technologies.

AI and emerging technologies raise profound ethical questions. As these technologies advance, they can be harnessed for both constructive and destructive purposes. The G-20 can champion ethical guidelines and norms that prioritize the well-being of humanity over military applications and offensive uses of technology. By emphasizing the ethical dimension of AI and emerging technology, the G-20 can set a global standard for responsible innovation.

This article provides five lessons from the New Delhi G-20 leaders’ summit on the governance of AI and emerging technologies.

The New Delhi G-20 Leaders’ Declaration provides a roadmap for the development of the Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure, a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), and One Future Alliance (OFA), a voluntary initiative aimed to build capacity and provide technical assistance and adequate funding support for implementing DPI in LMICs.
With the growing use of AI and other emerging technologies, it is important to equip LMICs with digital frameworks and tools to deploy these technologies using the DPI model adopted by India. In India, DPI is implemented using Public-Private Partnerships and collaboration between governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to pool resources and expertise in bridging the digital divide and strengthening the innovation ecosystem. This model ensures the best outcomes from private and public sector domain expertise.

The AI and emerging technology ecosystems based their models on users’ behaviors and data. Users’ data is foundational to building developmental models using AI and emerging technology. Therefore, states need to implement robust data privacy and security regulations to protect individuals from data breaches and cyber threats by big tech companies especially the Systematically Big Search Engines and Social Media Platforms, particularly vulnerable populations who may not have the resources to defend against such threats. In addition to laws, incentivising technology companies and governments to prioritize accessibility in their product design, making digital tools more user-friendly for people with disabilities, and providing voice and chat-enabled digital services. Digital inclusion policies like net neutrality ensure that all online content and services are treated equally by internet service providers, preventing discrimination against specific websites or applications.

There is a sharp divide between the Global North and South in financing AI research. This gives asymmetrical powers to the G7 countries to set the terms for AI research. The G-20 should invest in and promote research that aligns with the ethical principles of AI research. By funding and supporting projects that prioritize the ethical development of AI and emerging technologies, member states can set an example for responsible innovation. Encouraging cooperation between academia, industry, and government can help bridge the gap between technological advancement and ethical considerations.

Transparency is a crucial element in ensuring the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies. Like the Outer Space Treaty, the research on gene editing, vaccine development, and neurological research areas where AI models are deployed that can have adverse implications, transparency is critical to building sustainable trust amongst member states. The G-20 can encourage member countries to enhance transparency by sharing information about their AI research and development projects. Furthermore, the G-20 can advocate for accountability mechanisms that hold both state and non-state actors responsible for any misuse of technology. This can help build trust among nations and promote a safer global environment. This would ensure that the research ecosystems are insular from geopolitical considerations.

The weaponization of AI and emerging technologies poses a significant threat to global security. Autonomous weapons systems, cyberattacks, and the malicious use of AI for surveillance are examples of potential security risks. Sustained dialogue is important to mitigate the risks associated with the arms race in AI and other technologies. The New Delhi declaration talks about the responsible AI principles that can facilitate international cooperation to establish norms, treaties, and agreements that mitigate these risks. By fostering a collaborative approach to security, the G-20 can help prevent a dangerous arms race in AI and emerging technologies.

The G-20's role in addressing the non-weaponization of AI and emerging technologies is paramount in today's interconnected world. As technology continues to evolve, DPI strategy, data privacy, global collaboration, and cooperation are essential to ensure that these innovations serve the greater good and do not become tools of destruction. By emphasizing ethical principles, promoting global security, advocating for transparency and accountability, and encouraging responsible research and regulation, the G-20 can shape a future where AI and emerging technologies enhance our lives while preserving peace and stability on a global scale.

*Arvind Gupta is the Head of Digital India Foundation, participant of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.

**Aakash Guglani is the Manager, Digital India Foundation.