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Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of our lives. It influences how we work and play. It promises to help solve global challenges like climate change and access to quality medical care. Yet AI also brings real challenges for governments and citizens alike.


As it permeates economies and societies, what sort of policy and institutional frameworks should guide AI design and use, and how can we ensure that it benefits society as a whole?


The OECD supports governments by measuring and analysing the economic and social impacts of AI technologies and applications, and engaging with all stakeholders to identify good practices for public policy.

AI policy observatory

We launched the OECD.AI Observatory, an online platform to shape and share AI policies across the globe, on 27 February 2020. 

 Watch the launch event   ‌ Agenda (English)   Ordre du jour (français)    Speaker bios    

Find out more about the OECD.AI Observatory    Explore the OECD.AI Observatory

OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence

In May 2019 the OECD adopted its Principles on Artificial Intelligence, the first international standards agreed by governments for the responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI. 

The OECD Principles on AI include concrete recommendations for public policy and strategy. The general scope of the Principles ensures they can be applied to AI developments around the world.

In our recent report Artificial Intelligence and Society, a chapter on public policy considerations reviews salient policy issues that accompany the diffusion of AI. It supports the value-based OECD Principles on AI and outlines national policies to promote trustworthy AI systems.

The OECD.AI Policy Observatory, launched in February 2020, aims to help policymakers implement the AI Principles.

Publications and policy notes

Our events

Milestones

The OECD has been working on AI for several years. Milestones include:

  • April 2016: G7 ICT Ministers agreed in Takamatsu, Japan, to start an international discussion on the envisaged rapid development of AI.
  • November 2016: The OECD Committee on Digital Economy Policy holds a Technology Foresight Forum on AI that looked at the benefits and challenges brought by AI development.
  • September 2017: G7 ICT and Industry Ministers agree in Turin, Italy, to "look forward to further multistakeholder dialogue and to advancing our understanding of AI cooperation, supported by the OECD."
  • October 2017: OECD conference on AI: Intelligent Machines - Smart Policies.
  • March 2018: G7 Innovation Ministers agree in Montreal, Canada, to "facilitate multistakeholder dialogue and collaboration on artificial intelligence to inform future policy discussions by G7 governments, supported by the OECD in its multistakeholder convener role".
  • September 2018: OECD creates an expert group to foster trust in AI. The group completes its recommendations in February 2019.
  • May 2019: Adoption of the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence.
  • February 2020: Launch of the OECD.AI Policy Observatory.
  • June 2020: Launch of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, to be hosted at the OECD.

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