Advancing AI Governance in Europe and Internationally

Harnessing the potential of AI can significantly contribute to European growth and uphold European values. However, it’s equally crucial to address the challenges and risks AI may pose, ensuring effective management.
A key lesson from social media's impact is that while it can promote democracy, it can also be misused, as seen in its dual role during the Arab Spring and its subsequent weaponization. Now, with AI, we need to proactively address potential issues and ensure proper oversight alongside pursuing benefits.
At Microsoft, our six ethical principles for AI, adopted in 2018, emphasize accountability as fundamental. This principle ensures that AI remains under human control and subject to effective oversight. In democratic societies, no individual, government, or company is above the law, and AI technologies must adhere to this principle.
In May, Microsoft released a whitepaper, "Governing AI: A Blueprint for the Future," outlining a five-point plan for AI governance. This plan is based on years of experience and focuses on Europe’s leadership in AI regulation.
Implementing Government-led AI Safety FrameworksA critical step is building on existing government frameworks to advance AI safety. The EU's AI Act and similar frameworks like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and ISO/IEC 42001 are pivotal. Microsoft is committed to these frameworks and encourages international alignment.
Effective Safety Measures for AI in Critical InfrastructureDebates around AI control over critical infrastructure are essential. Our blueprint proposes safety brakes for AI systems managing infrastructure like electrical grids and traffic flows. These systems should have built-in safety measures and regular testing to ensure human oversight and robustness.
Developing a Legal and Regulatory Framework for AIIt’s vital to align legal and regulatory responsibilities with AI's technology architecture. The EU’s risk-based approach in the AI Act is a significant step, emphasizing responsible design, development, and post-market monitoring.
Promoting Transparency and Access to AITransparency in AI systems and broad access to AI resources are crucial. Initiatives like the Coalition for Content Provenance Authenticity (C2PA) help enhance trust and transparency. Microsoft is committed to transparency through annual AI reports and tools for identifying AI-generated content.
Public-Private Partnerships for Societal ChallengesAI’s impact on society necessitates collaboration between public and private sectors. Defensive AI technologies to protect democracy and fundamental rights, promote inclusive growth, and advance sustainability are essential. Microsoft is dedicated to these areas through concrete initiatives and partnerships.
International AI GovernanceEurope's AI regulation offers a framework grounded in the rule of law. However, multilateral partnerships are needed to ensure AI governance has a global impact. The EU, US, G7, and other nations can collaborate on shared principles and voluntary standards for AI governance, promoting innovation and compliance across borders.
In summary, advancing AI governance requires proactive measures, international collaboration, and adherence to ethical principles. By working together, we can ensure AI serves as a positive force for society.