AI could pose existential risk, UN rights chief says

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk warned Monday that advanced artificial intelligence could pose an “existential risk to humanity” and called for immediate action to reduce the danger.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Turk said the need for AI governance was widely recognised but that action was lagging. He said delay benefited major technology companies, their owners and enablers.

Turk said too much power over AI was held by a small number of people and companies. He also warned that AI systems that escape testing environments or try to prevent themselves from being turned off would be too powerful.

He said he would write to AI companies in the coming days to urge them to take steps within their control to reduce risks now. He called for countries hosting AI and those involved in its supply chains to agree on red lines.

Turk also called for independent verification, stronger security collaboration within the industry, and consideration of AI's effects on employment practices, democracy and the environment.