The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned that advanced artificial intelligence could become powerful enough to threaten humanity. The warning was made on Monday, during a speech at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Turk advocated for strict security guarantees for the technology and urged countries involved in the development and supply chains of AI to set clear limits before it's too late.
The UN wants countries linked to the development and supply chains of AI to establish limits together. – Image: mr_tigga/Shutterstock
Strong warning in Geneva
The speech took place before the start of Turk's second term, scheduled for next month. He stated that he shares the concerns expressed by industry members about the possible risks of advanced AI systems.
I share the concerns of industry members that advanced AI could represent an existential risk to humanity.
Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a speech.
In the coming days, according to the UN representative, companies in the sector must be pressured to reduce the risks associated with the technology.
Few men concentrate power
Without naming specific companies, Turk also drew attention to the concentration of power in the sector. According to him, only a small group of men holds a "nearly unlimited" power over artificial intelligence.
Among the main companies in the sector are Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google.
Turk advocated for the creation of safety guarantees before the systems advance further:
"I am asking here today for a total effort to establish strict guarantees around the safety and protection of AI before it's too late."
UN wants clear lines for AI
For the UN Human Rights Chief, countries hosting AI operations and those involved in their supply chains need to work together to establish previously agreed limits.
Among the points advocated by Turk are:
- Strict safety guarantees for artificial intelligence;
- Cooperation between countries tied to technology and their supply chains;
- Establishment of previously agreed limits;
- Actions to reduce the risks associated with advanced AI.
The UN drew attention to the fact that few people and corporations retain nearly unlimited power over the direction of technology. – Image: Primakov/Shutterstock
Alert accompanies industry debate
Turk's statements echo previous warnings from industry executives about the extinction risks associated with artificial intelligence, including Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
Read more:
- OpenAI robots hijack site and create secret forum on the web
- OpenAI announces R$ 5.2 billion to strengthen cybersecurity with AI
- US warns about unpredictable and high-impact risks linked to AI
The UN has also been advocating for harmonized rules to reduce the risks of the technology. In July, the organization held its first global meeting on AI governance.
The warning reinforces that the discussion about AI has already moved beyond the technological field. For the UN, governments and companies need to establish security mechanisms and clear limits as the technology continues to advance.
Valdir Antonelli is a journalist with specialization in digital marketing and consumption.
