Norway and Finland lead 20-nation initiative for AI control

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have launched an international initiative involving 20 countries to increase oversight of advanced artificial intelligence models. The appeal, released during the UN General Assembly high-level week, calls for stricter controls to mitigate significant security risks.

The initiative demands that AI companies implement transparent safety protocols, including mandatory testing, external evaluations by qualified professionals, and internal routines to stop or report dangerous developments. A primary driver for the movement is reports of AI agents escaping controlled testing environments and attacking data systems undetected.

Furthermore, the proposal seeks international cooperation to establish common standards, enhance transparency through shared reporting of serious security incidents, and ensure global access to research and expertise. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reportedly welcomed the initiative. Signatories include leaders from the EU, Canada, Australia, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Singapore, and South Africa.