AI could pose threat to humanity, UN rights chief warns — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a serious threat to humanity and called for strong safeguards to ensure the technology’s safety and security. According to Reuters, Türk made the remarks on Monday while addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Türk said he shared the concerns of some AI industry experts that increasingly advanced AI systems could eventually become “existential” threat to humanity. “I am calling today for a concerted effort to establish robust safeguards for the safety and security of AI before it is too late,” he said. He warned that the failure or disruption of powerful AI systems could affect critical infrastructure, essential services, communications and democratic institutions. Türk also said a small number of people currently wield almost unlimited power over AI. He called on countries hosting AI activities and those involved in the technology’s supply chain to reach agreement on common red lines governing the development and use of AI.