Exclusive: G7 to Agree on AI Code of Conduct for Companies – G7 Document by Reuters

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The Group of Seven industrial nations is set to adopt a code of conduct for companies engaged in the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems, as outlined in a G7 document. This initiative aims to address the risks and potential misuse associated with AI technologies.

The voluntary code represents a significant step in how leading countries manage AI, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding privacy and security. The G7, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union, initiated this process in May through a forum known as the “Hiroshima AI process.”

According to the document, the 11-point code is designed to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI on a global scale. It will offer voluntary guidance for organizations developing advanced AI systems, including cutting-edge foundation models and generative AI tools. The intention is to harness the benefits of these technologies while addressing the associated risks and challenges.

The code advises companies to implement measures for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks throughout the AI lifecycle. It also encourages these companies to respond to incidents and patterns of misuse after AI products have entered the market. Additionally, they are urged to publicly report on the capabilities, limitations, and both appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI systems, as well as to invest in robust security measures.

The European Union has taken a leading role in regulating emerging AI technology with its comprehensive AI Act, while Japan, the United States, and several Southeast Asian nations have adopted a more relaxed approach to foster economic growth.

Vera Jourova, the European Commission’s digital chief, recently emphasized at an internet governance forum in Kyoto, Japan, that the Code of Conduct serves as a strong foundation for ensuring safety and will provide a transitional framework until more formal regulations are established.