G7 leaders have emphasized the urgent need to evaluate the consequences of generative artificial intelligence (AI), revealing their plans to initiate discussions on the responsible utilization of this technology.

The seven major economies announced the establishment of a working group during a summit in Hiroshima, Japan, aimed at addressing various issues, ranging from copyright concerns to disinformation challenges.

The proliferation of text generation tools like ChatGPT, AI-generated images, and music compositions has generated both excitement and apprehension, with legal battles arising as creators accuse these tools of unauthorized use of their materials.

Governments around the world are facing mounting pressure to swiftly respond to the risks associated with AI. OpenAI’s CEO, during a recent testimony to US lawmakers, stressed the importance of regulating AI.

In their final communique, the G7 leaders acknowledged the need to promptly assess the opportunities and challenges presented by generative AI, which has gained prominence across different countries and sectors.

They assigned relevant ministers the task of establishing the Hiroshima AI process through a G7 working group in an inclusive manner, with discussions on generative AI scheduled to take place by the end of the year.

ALSO READ: Kenya’s taxman targets artificial nails, cryptocurrencies, and more to boost government revenue

The topics to be covered in these discussions encompass governance, protection of intellectual property rights (including copyrights), transparency promotion, addressing foreign information manipulation (including disinformation), and responsible application of these technologies.

The newly formed working group will collaborate with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) in its efforts.

The regulation of AI has become a global concern, and efforts are underway in various jurisdictions. OpenAI’s CEO testified before a US Senate panel, advocating for new regulations on big tech.

While he expressed optimism that generative AI could eventually address significant challenges such as climate change and healthcare, he emphasized the need for government intervention to mitigate the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI models.

The European Parliament has also taken steps toward EU-wide regulation of ChatGPT and other AI systems. The proposed regulations are set to be presented to the full parliament for adoption next month before negotiations with EU member states.