The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence that encourages countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

The nonbinding resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China and over 120 other nations, also advocates the strengthening of privacy policies.

"Today, all 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly have spoken in one voice, and together, chosen to govern artificial intelligence rather than let it govern us," US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.

The measure said that "the improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems ... pose risks that could ... undercut the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms".

The resolution encouraged all member states and other stakeholders to foster an enabling environment for such systems to address the world's greatest challenges, with specific consideration of developing countries and leaving no one behind.

It also acknowledged the importance of continuing the discussion on developments in AI governance so that officials are able to keep pace with the evolution of AI systems and their uses.

The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives by governments around the world to shape AI's development, amid fears it could be used to turbocharge fraud or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms. (AFP/Xinhua)