UN chief sounds alarm on AI risk after Trump plays it down
The statement comes amid growing calls from AI companies to slow the pace of the technology’s development.
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned world leaders on September 16 that artificial intelligence's rapid advancement poses risks which cannot be disregarded, standing in opposition to US President Donald Trump's assertion that existing safeguards are adequate. Guterres, speaking ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York, stated that bolstering oversight would be a primary subject of his discussions with global leaders in the city.
He emphasized that the primary duty of any government is to safeguard its citizens, including protection from AI's potential threats. Public concern over AI's dangers has surged following Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon's recent resignation, partly due to his belief that AI could annihilate humanity by the end of the decade. Several leaders of the industry's leading companies have advocated for slowing down the development of AI technology.
Trump claimed on Monday that the US already possesses regulations and punitive measures for AI companies, downplaying the worries raised by industry experts. In 2023, the UN established a 39-member advisory panel on AI, comprising representatives from technology firms, government authorities, and academics from nations like the US, Russia, and Japan.
The UN Security Council may convene regarding AI during the annual assembly of world leaders in New York, according to diplomats. Guterres urged nations with the most advanced capabilities in AI to create mechanisms for communication, information exchange, and common restrictions to prevent a "race to the bottom" that could result in a catastrophic global crisis.
Trump suggested that China might gain from casting doubt on AI development and is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping the following week in Washington. Reuters had previously reported that the two nations planned a separate meeting in mid-September to deliberate on AI risks, led by lower-ranking government officials. Guterres emphasized the necessity of a shared understanding of advancing AI's secure, secure, and responsible development while identifying situations where powerful systems might necessitate more stringent safeguards or additional measures to address potential hazards.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
