The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose an “existential threat to humanity,” calling for immediate action to mitigate these risks. Türk stated that humans are currently facing “unprecedented, even unprecedented” threats to their rights.
In his opening address to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday, Türk said, “I share the concerns of industry experts that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity,” urging “a comprehensive effort to put in place robust safeguards for AI safety and security before it is too late.”
He asked, “There is widespread recognition of the need for AI governance, but where are the practical measures?” warning that “any delay only benefits the tech giants, their owners, and their backers.”
Türk criticized the fact that “a handful of men wield almost absolute power over AI, which we are repeatedly told possesses unimaginable computing power.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights added, “They talk about freedom, but upon closer examination, this freedom is nothing more than the freedom to exploit our data.” Turk pointed out that “artificial intelligence that manages to escape testing environments or resorts to blackmailing its developers to prevent its shutdown is AI that has crossed the line of acceptable power.”
He said he would be addressing AI companies in the coming days “to urge them to take the measures within their control to mitigate the risks now.”
He added, “At a minimum, we need countries hosting AI companies and those involved in the technology’s supply chains to agree on clear and agreed-upon red lines.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk continued, “We need independent verification mechanisms and much stronger cooperation within the sector on security.”
He went on to say, “We also need to consider the impacts of AI on human rights, including employment practices, the fundamental principles of democracy, and our environment.”