National legislatures will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhancing cybersecurity, according to a statement released by representatives of the Group of Seven (G7) countries.
The statement was issued at the conclusion of the G7 Speakers’ Meeting held in Verona, Italy, APA reported, citing Xinhua.
The three-day meeting brought together leaders from the parliaments of G7 member nations, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Additionally, the European Parliament was represented.
The focus of the discussions revolved around the regulation of AI and the development of cyber-defense strategies.
The statement emphasized that national parliaments must take an active role in drafting governance frameworks to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and in accordance with shared principles and human rights.
It also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about AI and addressing the potential labor market impacts of the technology. Italy, which holds the G7 presidency this year, has highlighted the necessity of establishing global standards for AI development.
Alongside AI, geopolitical security and development were also discussed during the summit.
In a separate milestone, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union endorsed a new international agreement on AI and human rights.
The “Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law,” spearheaded by the Council of Europe, was signed in Vilnius, Lithuania.
It is the first legally binding international agreement aimed at ensuring AI technologies respect human rights and democratic values.
The treaty calls for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent data misuse, discrimination, and privacy violations, while promoting democratic principles.
Other signatories include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, and Israel. However, the absence of participation from Asian countries, the Middle East, and Russia highlights a significant gap in global involvement.
