The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has warned that artificial intelligence could become an “existential threat to humanity” if stronger safeguards are not urgently established.
Turk issued the warning on Monday while addressing the UN Human Rights Council, where he called for immediate action to address the potential dangers posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.
According to him, the rapid development of the technology is creating threats to human rights that are unfamiliar and, in some cases, unprecedented.
He questioned the slow pace of international action on AI governance despite growing recognition of the need for regulation.
“The need for AI governance is widely acknowledged, but where is the action?” Turk asked, warning that delays could primarily benefit major technology companies and those who control them.
The UN rights chief also expressed concern over the concentration of AI power in the hands of a relatively small number of individuals and companies.
He argued that claims about technological freedom should not obscure concerns surrounding the extensive use and exploitation of people’s data.
Turk particularly highlighted the risks associated with advanced AI agents capable of acting beyond their intended boundaries.
He said systems that could escape controlled testing environments, manipulate developers or attempt to prevent themselves from being switched off would represent technology that had become excessively powerful.
His comments come amid reports of incidents involving AI agents during testing. The reported episodes have raised concerns within the technology sector and renewed calls for stronger safety measures and oversight.
Turk said he shared concerns expressed by some industry insiders that sufficiently advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity.
He consequently called for an extensive international effort to establish firm safety and security guarantees before the technology develops beyond effective human control.
The UN official said he would also contact AI companies in the coming days, urging them to take measures within their control to reduce immediate risks.
He called for countries hosting major AI operations and those involved in related supply chains to establish agreed limits, while advocating independent verification of AI safety measures.
Turk further urged greater cooperation within the technology industry on security issues.
Beyond existential risks, he said governments and companies must examine the wider human rights implications of AI, including its effects on employment, democratic principles and the environment.
His remarks add to growing international calls for stronger governance as AI systems become increasingly capable and are deployed across more areas of society.
