AI could pose ‘existential’ risk to humanity, UN rights chief warns

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

“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.”

The UN rights chief said he would be writing to AI companies in coming days “to urge them to take the steps that are within their control to reduce risks now”.

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

“We need independent verification, and much stronger collaboration on security within the industry,” he said.

“We also need to consider the human rights impacts of AI on employment practices, on fundamental principles of democracy, and on our environment.”