The rapid development of artificial intelligence has triggered a fresh warning from the United Nations, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk cautioning that increasingly powerful AI systems could pose an “existential risk” to humanity if governments fail to establish stronger safeguards.
Speaking as he began his second term as UN human rights chief, Türk called for what he described as strong, enforceable guarantees around the development and deployment of advanced AI. He warned that the technology is developing faster than the rules designed to control its potential risks.
According to the UN official, AI could potentially disrupt critical infrastructure and democratic systems while creating new avenues for cyberattacks and other forms of technological abuse. He also pointed to recent incidents involving advanced AI agents as evidence that the capabilities of these systems are rapidly expanding.
Another concern raised by Türk is the concentration of AI development in the hands of a relatively small number of major technology companies. He argued that decisions affecting a technology with global consequences should not be left solely to a handful of private companies or individual countries.
The warning comes as governments around the world struggle to keep pace with developments in generative AI, autonomous systems and AI agents. While these technologies are increasingly being used in areas such as healthcare, finance, education, transportation and business, concerns surrounding privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation and autonomous weapons continue to grow.
Türk also called for international cooperation on the use of AI in warfare, particularly over lethal autonomous weapons that could potentially select and engage targets with limited or no direct human intervention.
The UN Human Rights Council is currently addressing a range of global issues, including conflicts and emerging technological threats, with AI regulation expected to remain an increasingly important part of international discussions.
The warning highlights a growing debate worldwide: how can humanity continue benefiting from AI while ensuring that increasingly powerful systems remain safe, accountable and under meaningful human control?
