ILO underlines importance of human-centered approach to artificial intelligence

BRUSSELS (ILO News) – Beate Andrees, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, participated in an panel debate on EU policy and regulation on artificial intelligence (AI) at the European Employment and Social Rights Forum. The Forum was organized by the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission.

AI presents several opportunities, it can enhance productivity, support occupational safety and health, and address labour shortages. But it also brings risks, such as issues linked to privacy, and algorithms that are vulnerable to biases, for example in the recruitment and selection process.

The ILO argues for a human-in-command approach to AI, and it is key that any regulation on AI protects workers and harnesses the opportunities this technology brings

said Ms Andrees

The tripartite constituents of the ILO have recently decided to place on the agenda of the International Labour Conference in 2025 a standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy.

The idea is to create a global level-playing field and we hope that the EU initiative will create impetus and stimulate the debate at the global level

said Ms Andrees

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, stressed the need for global solutions on AI and welcomed the ILO standard-setting discussion. He also underlined that the gains of AI need to be distributed in a fair manner.

Several initiatives are underway to address the regulatory challenges linked to AI. Last month, the UN Secretary-General launched an ‘AI Advisory Body’ to support the international community’s efforts to govern AI. This Body will examine the risks, opportunities and international governance of AI technologies.

A Digital Global Compact is being negotiated by the UN, and will hopefully be adopted at the Summit of the Future, which will take place in New York next year. The Compact would articulate a shared vision of an open, free, secure and human-centered digital future that rests on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda.

To conclude, the ILO Regional Director highlighted the importance of giving workers a voice in the design, implementation and use of AI technology. ILO research shows that unionized workplaces are usually better protected from the negative impact of AI than non-unionized workplaces.

We also see encouraging efforts in organizing workers on platforms, and technology can help in reaching workers who are working remotely. EU member states generally have strong social dialogue which can help frame the debate on regulating AI.