Detailed overview
UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI was adopted in 2021 and is described by UNESCO as the first global standard on AI ethics. It applies to UNESCO Member States and focuses on human rights, human dignity, fairness, transparency, human oversight, accountability, privacy, non-discrimination and social responsibility.
Effect on companies
These international principles do not create direct penalties for private companies by themselves. Their legal importance comes from their influence on national AI laws, regulator guidance, public procurement, impact-assessment standards, corporate governance and sector-specific AI rules.
Practical requirements & details
Sourced from the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (adopted 23 November 2021 by all 193 Member States).
Values (Article 13)
- Respect, protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
- Environment and ecosystem flourishing.
- Ensuring diversity and inclusiveness.
- Living in peaceful, just and interconnected societies.
Principles (Articles 14–26)
- Proportionality and do no harm.
- Safety and security.
- Fairness and non-discrimination.
- Sustainability.
- Right to privacy and data protection.
- Human oversight and determination.
- Transparency and explainability.
- Responsibility and accountability.
- Awareness and literacy.
- Multi-stakeholder and adaptive governance and collaboration.
Policy action areas (Articles 50–138)
- Ethical impact assessment.
- Ethical governance and stewardship.
- Data policy.
- Development and international cooperation.
- Environment and ecosystems.
- Gender.
- Culture.
- Education and research.
- Communication and information.
- Economy and labour.
- Health and social well-being.
Implementation — RAM and EIA
- Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) for governments.
- Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) for AI projects — a structured questionnaire.
Effect on companies
- No direct fines.
- Adopted into national AI strategies and procurement standards — shapes responsible AI expectations globally.