OpenAI has called on the United States to take a leading role in developing international technical standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems. The proposal comes as governments and technology leaders increasingly focus on how to manage the rapid development of increasingly capable AI.

The company has proposed greater coordination between countries to establish common methods for assessing advanced AI systems, measuring their capabilities and reporting serious incidents. It has also highlighted the need for closer cooperation as AI systems become capable of carrying out more of the work involved in improving their own capabilities.

The issue is expected to receive significant attention during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is scheduled to brief the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday about artificial intelligence and international security.

OpenAI has argued that international standards could help countries coordinate their approach while allowing individual governments to retain control over their own policies. The company has also stressed the importance of keeping safety research and safeguards ahead of advances in AI capabilities.

The United States administration has opposed proposals for slowing AI development, citing the importance of maintaining its position in competition with China. The debate over international AI standards is therefore taking place alongside wider discussions about technology, national security and the future direction of artificial intelligence.