Hiroshima, Japan, 20 May 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The leaders of the G7 nations have been discussing the importance of preserving common values such as freedom and human rights in the face of advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

In their communiqué, which was agreed on Saturday, they write that rules and laws would have to keep pace with the development of AI, and be adapted if necessary.

"We recognize that, while rapid technological change has been strengthening societies and economies, the international governance of new digital technologies has not necessarily kept pace," the leaders say in their declaration.

The also say that global governance in technological areas such as artificial intelligence must be updated in line with "shared democratic values." These include fairness, transparency, security, protection against harassment, hate and abuse on the internet, and respect for privacy and human rights.

"We continue to discuss ways to advance technology for democracy and to cooperate on new and emerging technologies and their social implementation," they say.

They would work with technology companies to ensure, among other things, that platforms address the risk of child sexual exploitation and abuse.