AI principles and practice: The OECD recommendation continues a theme

At the end of May, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries achieved a first - signing up to a Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) (the Recommendation) that, it is hoped, will promote innovative and trustworthy AI, respecting human rights and democratic values.  With that aim, the Recommendation sets out five broadly directed principles and a further five recommendations for governments.

Whilst the Recommendation lacks detailed practical guidance, it is clear that it reflects the themes and values of other AI related policy. For example, the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI produced by the European Commission established the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence in April 2019.  As AI draws more attention from national and international bodies and organisations, we continue to see attempts to formulate positions and approaches that try to encourage innovation, enable competitive advantage and establish an ethical framework. Business however, will be keen to learn more about operationalising proposed good practice and will hope for a drive towards multi-national consensus.

For more detail on the Recommendation and related commentary on the alignment of approach, the need for guidance on implementation and some of the next steps and actions to look out for, please click here.