ECNETNews Reports: The United Nations Secretary-General has called for immediate action from the Security Council to establish international regulations for artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning that inaction could escalate risks to global peace and security.
In a critical address to world leaders, António Guterres emphasized that the rapid pace of AI advancements is outstripping humanity’s ability to manage them, raising vital concerns regarding accountability, equality, safety, and human oversight in decision-making.
“Every moment of delay in establishing international guardrails increases the risk for us all,” Guterres stated, highlighting the urgency of effective oversight.
The Secretary-General stressed that no nation should implement AI in military applications that breach international humanitarian and human rights laws, particularly regarding autonomous target selection and engagement.
He also warned that fierce geopolitical competition for emerging technologies poses a threat to international peace and security.
The Dual Nature of AI
During his address, Guterres pointed out the paradoxical nature of AI, noting its capability to predict climate-induced displacements and detect landmines while acknowledging the dangers posed by its use in military and digital security contexts.
“Recent conflicts have become testing grounds for AI military applications,” he noted, referencing the deployment of AI in autonomous surveillance and predictive policing, which raises ethical and security concerns.
Particularly troubling, he warned, is the potential for AI integration with nuclear weapons and the development of quantum-AI systems, which could disrupt global stability.
“The fate of humanity must never be left to a ‘black box’ algorithm,” he asserted, underscoring the necessity for human oversight in critical decision-making processes involving force.
The Threats of Misinformation
Guterres also addressed the risks posed by AI in the information realm, highlighting how deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation can manipulate public perceptions, incite crises, and undermine societal trust.
He raised concerns about the environmental impacts of AI, particularly the resource demands of data centers and geopolitical tensions surrounding essential minerals for AI technology.
“Unprecedented global challenges call for unprecedented global cooperation,” he declared, advocating for collaborative efforts to ensure that AI serves all people and does not deepen existing inequalities.
Call for a Global Framework
The Secretary-General outlined recent initiatives aimed at global governance for AI, including the adoption of the UN Global Digital Compact and key resolutions focused on enhancing international cooperation and capacity-building.
A pivotal resolution addressing AI in military operations is anticipated to be discussed at the General Assembly shortly.
Concluding his remarks, Guterres reaffirmed his appeal for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons and urged the Security Council to take a leading role in preventing the militarization of AI that threatens global peace and security.
“I urge you all to unite in building a safe, secure, and inclusive AI future,” he implored.
