Autonomous drones and AI called out by UN human rights chief

The United Nations' top human rights official has expressed deep concerns about the potential existential risks posed by artificial intelligence. Speaking at an address in Geneva, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned of the dangers that advanced AI could bring to humanity. He called for stringent safety and security measures to be put in place before it is too late.

Turk's address comes as the UN council prepares to meet in October to discuss a range of crises, including the Iran war, Sudan's civil conflict, and other global issues. The commissioner specifically criticized Russia for its reported use of autonomous drones, and called on the United States to take responsibility for the deaths that have occurred in immigration facilities.

The UN official emphasized that just a few individuals hold almost unlimited power over AI systems without naming any specific individuals. He urged top AI companies such as Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google to cooperate in setting agreed-upon red lines to prevent potential misuse.

Turk also demanded accountability for the 23 deaths that have occurred in US immigration custody so far this year and expressed concern over plans to equip agents with electric shock gloves. The US Department of Homeland Security has stated its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and humane environment in detention, and its inspector general is currently investigating deaths in custody since October 2021.

Furthermore, Turk condemned Russia for its intensified attacks on Ukraine and Iran for rising numbers of executions, voicing his horror at reports that Russia has used fully autonomous drones in Ukraine, allegedly killing three people in August. He called for the urgent prohibition of weapons that can take lives without human involvement.

The UN human rights official also highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of businesses and economic interests that fuel conflicts, as there are currently more than 60 wars around the world, the highest number since World War Two. He pledged to expose the "shadow players" behind these conflicts and push for accountability.

Later this month, the UN human rights office will publish a list of businesses operating in Israeli West Bank settlements, which the global body deems illegal. This announcement has been dismissed by Israel.