Artificial intelligence: Draft IPU resolution and “use cases” for AI in parliaments published
When ChatGPT was launched in 2022, the world crossed a new frontier in technological advancement. With the development and deployment of large language models, a new chapter opened in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). This presented an opportunity for parliaments to explore ways to close the gap between technological advancements and the pace of legislative oversight. Legislators were also presented with an opportunity to better understand the related benefits and challenges affecting their constituents, and how best they might protect them from the negative impacts of irresponsible use of AI.
On 25 July 2024, the IPU published a draft resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This draft resolution has been prepared by the co-Rapporteurs Michelle Rempel Garner (Canada) and Neema Lugangira (United Republic of Tanzania) following extensive consultations with parliamentarians and experts.
The draft resolution underlines the alarming rate at which unchecked advances in AI affect some of the most vulnerable citizens, including those who are unable to enjoy the benefits of these advances. It works towards closing the gap between the advances in human-driven technological innovation and the negative impacts often unregulated by law. Of particular concern is the vulnerability of existing democratic institutions in relation to AI, and the harmful impact of irresponsible use of AI on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. At the same time, the draft resolution recognizes the value of harnessing and strengthening existing and new legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical development, deployment and use of AI.
The draft resolution will be finalized by the IPU’s Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights at the 149th IPU Assembly (13-17 October 2024). IPU Member Parliaments are invited to submit proposals for amendments to the draft resolution by the deadline of 28 September 2024.
Meanwhile, parliaments are increasingly looking to use AI to improve their own efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. As part of the AI governance guidelines project led by the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament, parliaments are developing use cases that explore how AI works in a parliamentary setting.
To date, over 40 use cases for AI in parliaments have been shared by parliaments, including the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, the Estonian Parliament, the European Parliament, the Parliament of Finland, the Parliament of Israel, the Chamber of Deputies of Italy and the Senate of Italy.
This initial set of use cases describes a wide range of purposes for which AI tools can be used, including categorizing volumes of data, supporting legislative drafting and managing amendments, and helping users to better understand parliamentary processes. Through this work, the IPU wishes to make these use cases available for all parliaments to explore. For more information, please contact us.
All IPU activities related to AI can now be accessed through a single entry point.
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