On December 22, 2023, Omran Sharaf, the UAE’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Sciences and Technology, participated in a UN Security Council (UNSC) Arria-formula meeting, co-organized by the UAE and Albania. The focus of this meeting was the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in amplifying hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, and its impact on international peace and security. Sharaf emphasized the importance of global cooperation in building a responsible framework for AI governance, promoting ethical use of AI, and fostering international strategies to counter the misuse of this emerging technology.
The meeting featured high-level discussions on the potential threats posed by AI’s ability to manipulate public perception and spread harmful content on a global scale. As AI tools become more advanced, they are increasingly being weaponized to amplify hate speech, disseminate false information, and sow discord among societies. These challenges have profound implications, not only on social harmony but also on political stability and international security.
During the meeting, Sharaf outlined the UAE’s commitment to fostering a global framework for AI governance. He emphasized that AI governance must respect cultural differences and prevent widening economic gaps between developed and developing nations. He urged for cooperation in managing AI’s learning processes to ensure ethical decision-making, rather than simply reacting to negative outcomes once they occur.
Melissa Fleming, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, and Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist on the Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Board, also provided expert insights on the growing threat of AI-driven disinformation and misinformation. They stressed the need for a public-private partnership to develop safeguards and self-regulation mechanisms.
The Role of AI in Spreading Hate and False Information
AI’s ability to generate and distribute large volumes of content at high speed has made it an attractive tool for malicious actors. By automating the creation of fake news, biased narratives, and incendiary speech, AI has dramatically increased the scope and reach of misinformation campaigns. Sharaf emphasized that the risks posed by AI are not just technical but also social and political, warning that the misuse of AI can exacerbate global polarization and erode trust in democratic institutions.
Sharaf proposed that an effective international framework could mitigate these risks by promoting ethical AI development, regulating the spread of harmful content, and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and best practices. He stressed that inclusive international policies, as well as technological capacity-building, are essential in leveling the playing field between nations that possess advanced AI capabilities and those that are still developing them.
UAE’s Role in AI Governance
The UAE, currently in the final month of its two-year term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, has been a leader in pushing forward the agenda of responsible AI governance. The nation has consistently advocated for using technology and innovation to enhance global peace and security. Sharaf’s remarks during the UNSC meeting highlighted the UAE’s dedication to shaping inclusive and ethical frameworks that govern AI use globally.
He also stressed the need to educate nations and stakeholders on the implications of AI, focusing not only on managing the outcomes but also on shaping the learning processes of AI systems. By doing so, societies can foster AI technologies that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and progress, while limiting their potential for harm.
10 Tips to Avoid AI-Related Cyber Threats in the Future:
- Implement AI Ethics Guidelines: Governments and companies should create clear guidelines on the ethical use of AI, ensuring AI systems are designed to prevent the spread of harmful content.
- Educate the Public: Raise awareness among citizens about how AI is used in misinformation campaigns, enabling them to critically evaluate the information they consume.
- Strengthen Global Cooperation: Encourage international partnerships to share knowledge, best practices, and technologies that counter AI-driven threats.
- Regulate AI Use in Social Media: Develop regulations to prevent social media platforms from amplifying AI-generated disinformation and hate speech.
- Enhance Cybersecurity Measures: Protect critical systems and infrastructures from AI-based attacks by continuously updating cybersecurity protocols.
- Monitor AI Activity: Create public-private partnerships to monitor AI-generated content for signs of hate speech and false information, ensuring rapid response to harmful trends.
- Develop Advanced AI Detection Tools: Invest in AI-driven tools that can detect and block malicious AI activities before they spread.
- Promote Inclusive Policies: Ensure that all nations, especially developing countries, have access to resources and knowledge to protect against AI threats.
- Foster Transparency in AI Systems: Encourage transparency from organizations developing AI technologies so that their tools can be audited for ethical compliance.
- Encourage AI for Positive Impact: Promote the use of AI to foster constructive social dialogue, create inclusive platforms, and combat misinformation by amplifying credible, fact-based content.
Conclusion:
As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of the digital landscape, its potential for both positive impact and harm grows. The discussions led by Omran Sharaf at the UNSC Arria-formula meeting underscore the urgent need for a global framework to manage AI’s capabilities responsibly. By fostering international cooperation, encouraging ethical development, and educating societies on AI risks, the UAE and its partners are paving the way for a safer, more inclusive digital future.
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