20 countries propose global oversight body to manage AI dangers

Twenty countries and the European Union have issued a call for international cooperation to ensure AI remains under human control, including the potential creation of a global oversight body to set and enforce standards. The countries, including Germany, South Africa, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, issued the joint statement on Monday as global leaders prepare to discuss the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI at the annual gathering of the United Nations General Assembly. "To realise AI's potential, industry, governments and society must act now," the statement says. "We must address these risks and strengthen oversight - without widening the gap between countries in access to the benefits of AI." The declaration urges countries to develop and coordinate "common standards", share reports of serious safety incidents, and explore the establishment of an international institution to "set standards, enable verification, and convene states when capability thresholds are crossed".