UN Rights Chief Sounds Alarm Over AI Threat to Humanity

UN Rights Chief Sounds Alarm Over AI Threat to Humanity

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has warned that increasingly powerful artificial intelligence could eventually pose an existential threat to humanity.

Turk raised the concern on Monday while addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He said he shared the fears expressed by some people within the technology industry about the potential dangers posed by advanced AI systems.

“I share the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity,” Turk said.

The UN rights chief called for urgent international action to ensure stronger safeguards are established before artificial intelligence becomes too powerful to control.

“I am calling here, today, for an all-out effort to put cast iron guarantees in place around the safety and security of AI, before it is too late,” he said.

Turk did not identify specific individuals but warned that a small number of people currently wield enormous influence over the development of artificial intelligence.

He said countries where AI companies operate, along with nations involved in their supply chains, should establish clear limits on the technology.

“At a minimum, we need countries hosting AI and those involved in its supply chains to come together around agreed red lines,” he said.

His warning comes as governments and technology companies continue debating how to manage the rapid development of increasingly capable AI systems.

Major AI developers include Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

Turk’s comments also reflect growing concern among technology leaders themselves about the possibility of advanced AI creating risks that could extend beyond existing safety challenges.

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has previously spoken about the potential extinction risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.

The United Nations has been pushing for internationally coordinated rules to address the technology’s risks.

The organisation held its first global meeting focused on AI governance in July as efforts intensify to establish common standards for its development and use.

Turk’s latest warning comes shortly before he begins his second term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights next month.