The United Nations experts are warning against letting market forces alone dictate the development of artificial intelligence (AI). They emphasize the need for global cooperation tools to oversee the technology’s evolution. Although they do not propose a strong global governing body, the experts highlight concerns about biases, misuse, and dependence tied to AI’s rapid advancement.
The panel of about 40 experts from various fields, appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stresses the lack of global governance and the exclusion of developing countries in AI discussions. Only a few nations are actively involved in major AI initiatives, leaving many countries, especially in the global south, out of the loop.
Guterres emphasizes the importance of AI serving humanity fairly and safely to prevent potential threats to democracy, peace, and stability. The experts urge UN members to establish mechanisms for international cooperation and to avoid uncontrolled proliferation of AI technologies, proposing the formation of a group of AI experts akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The experts advocate for a light-touch coordination structure within the UN secretariat but stop short of endorsing a full-fledged international governance body. They suggest that if AI risks intensify, there may be a need for a more robust international institution with monitoring and enforcement capabilities. The report underlines the dangers posed by AI, including disinformation, deepfake technology, autonomous weapons, and AI misuse by criminal elements.
In conclusion, the experts stress the need for ongoing scientific assessments and policy dialogues to address AI risks promptly and avoid being caught off guard by unforeseen threats.