Bletchley Declaration 

03 Nov Bletchley Declaration 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”, and the topic details “Bletchley Declaration”. This topic has relevance in the “Science and Technology” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is Bletchley Declaration?
What is AI? 

For Mains:

GS3:  Science and Technology

 

Why in the news?

Nations from around the globe have united in an agreement – the Bletchley Declaration to tackle the pressing concerns related to cutting-edge AI at the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit in the United Kingdom. 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, and decision-making. It encompasses machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics. AI has numerous applications in industries like healthcare, finance, transportation, and more.

 

About AI Safety Summit 

• The UK’s AI Safety Summit convened technology experts, global leaders, and delegates from 27 countries and the European Union.
• Objective: To establish a comprehensive framework for mitigating the potential risks associated with AI while maximising its benefits.

• This significant event unfolded at Bletchley Park, a historically renowned site that once served as the headquarters for codebreakers during the Second World War. 
• The outcome of this gathering was the formation of the ‘Bletchley Declaration.’

• South Korea is slated to host the next AI Safety Summit in six months, followed by a second summit hosted by France another six months later.
• The Bletchley Declaration was signed by more than 27 countries, notably India and China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. 

 

What does the Bletchley Declaration mean? 

• At its core, the Bletchley Declaration represents international cooperation to address transformative technological advancements.
• It underscores the shared responsibility of governments, the private sector, and the global community to ensure AI’s positive impact.
• The declaration prioritises AI safety and responsible development to maximise benefits while mitigating risks.

• Global Collaboration:

• • • Robust International Cooperation: The declaration highlights the need for strong international collaboration.
    • Scientific Research: It recognizes the importance of scientific research and the establishment of dedicated networks dedicated to frontier AI safety. 
    • Evidence-Based Policymaking: his commitment reflects a shared dedication to evidence-based policymaking, which is crucial for effectively managing the inherent risks of AI while unlocking its immense potential.

• Holistic Approach:

• • Comprehensive Risk Assessment: The declaration underscores the importance of addressing AI-related risks like cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation.
  • International Cooperation Framework: It provides a framework for international cooperation and the development of risk-based policies.

 

Need for the Regulation of AI: Ethical Concerns: AI can raise ethical dilemmas, such as bias in algorithms, job displacement, and privacy violations. Accountability: Regulations are essential to determine responsibility in case of AI-related errors or accidents. Safety and Security: AI can be vulnerable to malicious use, making it crucial to establish security and safety standards. Transparency: Regulations ensure transparency in AI systems, allowing users to understand their functioning. Fairness: To mitigate bias and discrimination, AI needs regulations that promote fairness and inclusivity. International Cooperation: With the global impact of AI, international cooperation is crucial for unified standards and policies.

 

Sources: Charting the Future of AI: The Bletchley Declaration and International Collaboration for AI Safety – Defence News | The Financial Express 

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 03rd Nov 2023

Q1. Which of the following options correctly describe the Bletchley Declaration?  

(a) It was issued by the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the COP27 summit. 

(b) It is a statement of principles on the safe development and use of artificial intelligence (AI).

(c) It commits the African Union member states to working together to accelerate the digital transformation of Africa.

(d) None 

Check Answer

 

Q2. Consider the following: 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can analyze vast amounts of data much faster than humans.
2. AI has been used in medical diagnosis to assist doctors in identifying diseases.
3. AI is immune to biases and can make perfectly fair decisions.

How many of the statements are correct in the context of Artificial Intelligence?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Check Answer

 

Q3. Discuss the significance of international collaboration in ensuring the safety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.