Milestone Systems, a vendor in data-driven video technology, has recently declared its adoption and implementation of the G7 Code of Conduct for Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, making it one of the earliest organisations to do so.

Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems, believes in the importance of self-regulation, especially when it comes to the development and implementation of AI systems. "We need rules to ensure AI is being developed to serve humanity. But companies should not wait for regulation. They must take their own steps to identify and resolve the weaknesses and pitfalls of the AI they develop," he stated.

Jensen recognises the untapped potential of AI-enabled video technologies and the possible hitches that come with it, such as bias and false positives. He stresses that Milestone Systems, in line with this understanding, is keen on putting mechanisms in place to tackle potential weaknesses of their tools. "By signing up to the G7 Code of Conduct, we will continue to focus our efforts on building our software with trust, transparency, and accountability at the front of our minds," he added.

The International Code of Conduct for Organisations Developing Advanced AI Systems, adopted by Milestone, aims to champion the creation of safe, secure, and reliable AI on a global scale. It was agreed upon by the heads of the G7 nations at the end of October 2023, in line with a set of Guiding Principles for the world’s most influential democracies to adhere to in their development of innovative AI systems.

The decision of Milestone Systems aligns with the recent agreement by the European Union on its own AI Act. Jensen is an advocate of this legislative advance but acknowledges that compliance will take time. "While we applaud the AI Act, it will take a while before it is implemented, potentially a couple of years. In the meantime, we believe companies should strive to stay ahead of the regulation," he stated.

Jensen emphasised the importance of innovation but warned of a potential public and regulatory backlash. In his view, the solution is to prioritise building trust in AI systems. "We must not shutter innovation, but to prevent a public and regulatory backlash, AI businesses should be striving to build trustworthy AI. Adopting the G7 Code of Conduct is one such step all companies should take to help ensure responsible use of technology and foster public trust in the new possibilities it presents," he concluded.