Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the UN Human Rights Council on Monday that he shares industry concerns that artificial intelligence "could pose an existential risk to humanity." He said it is imperative to create "rock-solid safeguards" for AI safety before it is too late.
Türk also warned that virtually unchecked power over AI is concentrated in the hands of a small number of people. He argued that countries involved in the development and supply chains of the technology should jointly determine the boundaries that must not be crossed during AI development.
Industry warnings and UN response
Several leaders in the technology sector, including Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, have previously warned that AI may carry risks up to and including human extinction. Such statements from industry figures have amplified calls for regulatory action.
The United Nations has urged internationally coordinated regulation to mitigate the risks associated with artificial intelligence. In July, the organization held its first global meeting focused on AI regulation and governance, aiming to initiate dialogue among member states and explore common standards.
Why this matters
Türk’s remarks highlight that a lack of clear rules and shared decision-making on AI is not merely a technical or legal matter: without robust safety mechanisms and broader distribution of control, AI’s societal impacts could be severe. The High Commissioner’s message calls on the international community to urgently agree on limits that would protect against potentially dangerous consequences of AI.
