Globaltraded.com — The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has taken a significant step in the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) by launching a pilot phase to monitor the application of the Hiroshima Process International Code of Conduct for Organisations Developing Advanced AI Systems. This initiative, which forms part of the G7’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technologies, is designed to assess how organizations align with the Code’s 11 Actions through a comprehensive reporting framework.
The G7 Hiroshima AI Process, initiated in May 2023, established a Comprehensive Policy Framework to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. This framework included the OECD’s report, “Towards a G7 Common Understanding of Generative AI,” as well as International Guiding Principles for AI Actors and the International Code of Conduct for Organisations Developing Advanced AI Systems. Under Italy’s current G7 Presidency, there has been a concerted effort to advance these initiatives, particularly in creating mechanisms for transparency and accountability in AI development.
The pilot phase, which will run until September 6, 2024, represents the first concrete step toward establishing a robust monitoring mechanism for the International Code of Conduct. The framework being tested includes a set of questions based on the 11 Actions outlined in the Code, aimed at providing transparency and comparability in how organizations mitigate risks associated with advanced AI systems. The draft framework has been developed with input from leading AI developers across G7 countries, ensuring it is both practical and comprehensive.
Organisations involved in developing advanced AI systems are encouraged to participate in the pilot. Their responses will be critical in refining the framework, with the aim of launching a final version later in the year. A standardized reporting framework could significantly improve the comparability of information across jurisdictions, making it easier for organizations operating globally to meet their reporting obligations.
The OECD’s involvement in AI policy-making dates back to 2016, positioning it as a global leader in this domain. The OECD Recommendation on AI, first adopted in 2019 and updated in 2024, remains the world’s first intergovernmental standard on AI, serving as a global benchmark for AI policy. This latest initiative under the G7 Hiroshima AI Process underscores the OECD’s commitment to fostering international collaboration on AI governance, ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that are safe, secure, and trustworthy.
The OECD’s track record in global policy-making, particularly in areas that require multilateral cooperation, makes it well-suited to lead these efforts. The Hiroshima Process, named after the location of the G7 Summit where it was launched, reflects the shared commitment of G7 members to address the challenges posed by AI through international collaboration. This initiative, and the broader G7 AI agenda, aim to set a high standard for AI governance that other countries can adopt or adapt.
As the pilot phase progresses, the OECD will continue to work closely with G7 members and other stakeholders to refine the reporting framework. The ultimate goal is to create a tool that not only ensures compliance with the International Code of Conduct but also fosters the adoption of best practices in AI development. This is particularly important as AI systems become more integrated into critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public services, where the potential risks and rewards are equally significant.
In conclusion, the OECD’s pilot phase for the Hiroshima Process International Code of Conduct represents a major advancement in the global governance of AI. By establishing a framework for monitoring compliance with international standards, the OECD is helping to ensure that AI systems are developed in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with the broader public interest. This initiative, supported by the G7, highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges posed by AI and sets the stage for future advancements in AI governance.
