UN Human Rights Chief Sounds Alarm on AI and Autonomous Drones

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence and autonomous weaponry. Speaking at a council meeting in Geneva, Turk emphasized the need for stringent safeguards surrounding AI technologies, stating they could represent an "existential risk to humanity."

In his address, Turk specifically condemned Russia's reported use of autonomous drones in Ukraine, which allegedly resulted in civilian casualties. He urged global leaders, particularly from the United States, to take responsibility for human rights violations, including the 23 deaths recorded in US immigration facilities this year.

Turk's speech marks his first address to the UN council since beginning a second term in July, amid opposition from both Russia and the US. He called for an urgent push for "cast-iron guarantees" to ensure the safety of AI, highlighting concerns that unchecked advancements in this technology could disrupt essential services and democratic processes.

Source: www.abc.net.au