Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved into a transformative force across industries, governments, and societies. It has the capacity to process vast amounts of data, identify complex patterns, and make decisions with increasing autonomy. Advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks have enabled AI systems to play pivotal roles in sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy, and security. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into critical infrastructures, its ethical deployment and effective risk management have become top priorities for global organizations and policymakers.

Unlike past technological innovations where military and civilian uses were largely separate, AI functions as a dual-use technology, with military research often benefiting from civilian advancements. This overlap raises significant concerns about the unintended consequences of AI applications, particularly in areas like autonomous weapons, surveillance, and predictive threat analysis. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate between the IT and academic communities regarding the need for AI legislation, centering on how to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.

The urgency of balancing risk, innovation, and human rights in AI development has never been greater. As AI technologies grow more sophisticated and embedded within societal frameworks, the establishment of comprehensive regulations and ethical standards is essential to prevent misuse and ensure that AI serves the broader interests of humanity.

ICEED drives a critical role in addressing these challenges through its weekly research discussions with NATO AI Expert Members, focusing on AI’s impact on climate, energy, and infrastructure security. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future AI experts, ICEED has been mandated to establish an Expert Training Facility in collaboration with the NATO community in Rome, Italy.

Furthering its commitment to responsible AI governance, ICEED collaborates with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development AI Observatory (OECD AI) on the joint research project “Monitoring AI Incidents.” This initiative also aims to strengthen the Expert Training Facility by incorporating real-world case studies and incident analyses into its curriculum, enhancing the preparedness of future AI experts.

ICEED also actively participates in policy negotiations within the Council of Europe (COE), working alongside the Conference of International NGOs (CINGO) in the Committee of AI (CAI). As the representative body for international NGOs with participatory status at the COE, CINGO partners with ICEED to establish an AI Impact Assessment Working Group. This group focuses on evaluating the societal, ethical, and legal implications of AI applications within the COE framework, which upholds Human Rights, the International Rule of Law, and Democracy.

In its broader mandate, ICEED analyzes, forecasts, and makes policy recommendations on key AI risks, including loss of control, malicious use (such as fake content and public manipulation), malfunctions (like AI hallucinations), and systemic risks (such as labor market disruptions and the global AI divide). By addressing these challenges, ICEED aims to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies, supporting societal well-being while mitigating potential harms. This comprehensive approach reflects ICEED’s commitment to fostering responsible AI innovation while safeguarding human rights and global stability.