UN chief warns about ‘killer robots’ amid AI debate

The head of the United Nations has expressed grave concern over the rapid development of artificial intelligence, warning that "killer robots" could pose significant risks as the technology advances beyond human control. António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, delivered the warning at the opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, highlighting the concentration of AI power and the speed at which it is evolving.

Guterres emphasized that the balance of power in the modern world is shifting from traditional factors like territory, industry, and finance to data, computing capacity, and algorithms. He stressed that while AI has the potential to transform lives and labor markets, the main threat lies in its unchecked expansion and the lack of oversight mechanisms.

The UN chief argued that the danger does not stem from the technology itself, but from its deployment without accountability and transparency. He called for stronger international safeguards and urged governments, particularly those with significant AI capabilities, to take responsibility for managing emerging risks. Guterres drew a parallel between the management of nuclear weapons during the Cold War and the current need for global coordination in AI governance.

He highlighted existing UN initiatives, such as the Global Digital Compact, Global Dialogue on AI Governance, and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, as important steps toward establishing common safeguards. Guterres stressed that AI governance must go beyond individual countries, as its impact transcends national borders.

The UN chief specifically warned against children being exposed to unregulated AI systems and against machines being given control over life-and-death decisions. He also rejected the notion of autonomous weapons, stating that "killer robots must have no place in our future."

In contrast to the UN secretary-general's focus on international cooperation, risk management, transparency, and safeguards, US President Donald Trump emphasized the need for countries to compete in developing "superintelligence" and stressed the importance of continued technological advancement. Trump described AI as a key component of future economic and geopolitical competition, emphasizing the US's commitment to development while monitoring potential risks.

The debate surrounding AI governance reflects a growing international concern over the implications of increasingly capable AI systems, including their potential impact on employment, scientific research, security, and decision-making. Guterres emphasized that the central challenge lies in ensuring that the rapid pace of technological development does not outpace society's ability to establish common rules and safeguards in time to manage the consequences.