AI Governance Fails to Deliver: Global Index on Responsible AI Reveals Critical Gaps

CAPE TOWN: WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE 2024

A major new study has been released revealing major gaps in AI governance globally. The Global Index on Responsible AI is a pioneering effort to bridge the gap between principles and practice in ethical and rights-respecting AI. Spanning 138 countries, the Global Index on Responsible AI represents the largest global data collection on responsible AI to date, and is the first tool to set globally-relevant benchmarks to assess responsible AI around the world, with a special focus on regions often underrepresented in such studies, including Africa, South and Central America, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. 

Despite growing awareness of the importance of responsible AI, efforts to advance and ensure it are fragmented and predominantly driven by entities from Europe and North America. Our mission is to provide a clear, measurable framework for responsible AI that reflects global perspectives and addresses critical human rights concerns.

Key Findings 

The first edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI reveals that global progress toward responsible AI is lagging significantly behind the rapid development and adoption of AI technologies. Some key insights include:

1. AI governance does not translate into responsible AI

While 39% of countries assessed have national AI strategies, most lack enforceability and comprehensive responsible AI principles. As a result, AI governance remains more theoretical than practical, falling short of ensuring responsible AI deployment

2. International Cooperation: A Cornerstone of Responsible AI

UNESCO's efforts have been key in building country-level capacity for responsible AI, with countries adopting the UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics in AI and committing to its implementation tools. 

3. Gender equality remains a critical gap in efforts to advance responsible AI

Despite increasing awareness of gender equality in AI, most countries have not made significant efforts to ensure women and gender minorities are not negatively affected by AI. Only 24 assessed countries have government frameworks addressing gender and AI. 

Rankings and scores

The Global Index on Responsible AI is based on primary data and evaluates evidence within these pillars to measure the effectiveness of government policies, initiatives, and the supportive environment for independent non-state actors operating at a national level. 

The Netherlands has emerged as the global leader in responsible AI practices, according to the 2024  Global Index on Responsible AI report. The Netherlands' top ranking is a testament to its robust AI governance, proactive government measures, and a thriving ecosystem for non-state entities.

The following top five countries in the Global Index on Responsible AI are:

1. The Netherlands

2. Germany

3. Ireland

4. United Kingdom

5. USA

Australia was the top country in the Asia and Oceania region at position 10. The United Arab Emirates came in at 17th as the top country in the Middle East. Brazil at 18th was the top country in South and Central America. South Africa at position 42 was the top African country.

All rankings, comparing how 138 countries performed in implementing responsible AI, are part of the first edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI, now available at www.global-index.ai. 

Quotes

"This monumental project represents the culmination of 3 years of dedicated effort and collaboration of over 250 experts worldwide. We hope that the Global Index on Responsible AI will inspire renewed commitment to responsible AI by providing clear benchmarks for countries to achieve, demonstrating that responsible AI is possible everywhere.”

Rachel Adams, Founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance

“As we navigate the complexities of AI governance, the Global Index on Responsible AI reminds us of the long road ahead. It calls on powerful nations to leverage their influence for greater cooperation and on all countries to adopt comprehensive, enforceable frameworks that prioritize human-centric and rights-based approaches to AI.”

Justin Vaïsse, Founder and Director General, Paris Peace Forum

About Us

The Global Index on Responsible AI is a flagship project of the Global Center on AI Governance (www.globalcenter.ai). The Global Center on AI Governance exists to ensure equitable AI governance through the conscientious production and exchange of knowledge, harnessing local insights for global impact.

This work was carried out with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada, funded in part by the Government of Canada, and an additional grant from USAID.

For Media Inquiries

Rachel Adams,
Founder and CEO, Global Center on AI Governance
Email: rachel@global-index.ai
Phone Number: +27 81 474 5700

Nicolás Grossman,
Project Director of the Global Index on Responsible AI
Email: nicolas@global-index.ai
Phone Number: +54 911 4024 1586

Sally Kuria,
Head of Communications, Global Center on AI Governance
Email:  sally@globalcenter.ai
Phone Number: +254 725 203 307