Albanese joins global call for human control of artificial intelligence

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined leaders from more than 20 countries in signing a declaration calling for artificial intelligence to remain under human direction, oversight and control.

The statement says AI should be developed and used in line with international law. It also warns that AI systems could circumvent safeguards and gain unauthorised access to multiple systems.

The signatories called on AI companies to develop transparent safety protocols and governments to establish common standards for the technology. The statement also urges the United Nations to explore options for an international institution that could set AI standards.

Albanese said AI could improve living standards, strengthen economies and productivity, and advance science and medicine, but said humans needed to remain in control. He said Australia had played a “central role” in developing the statement.

The declaration was reported by The Guardian, which said other named signatories included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The supplied material does not specify whether the declaration creates binding obligations or establish the proposed international institution.