U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is truly concerned about the implications of artificial intelligence and its rapid advancement. He has thrown his support behind a proposal presented by AI executives, suggesting the establishment of an international AI watchdog body modeled after the reputable International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The introduction of generative AI technology, exemplified by the remarkable capabilities of ChatGPT, has captivated the public’s imagination over the past six months, making it the fastest-growing app in history. However, alongside the excitement, there are growing concerns about the potential misuse of AI, such as the creation of convincing deepfake images and the dissemination of misinformation.
Guterres acknowledges the pressing need to address these challenges head-on, particularly as even the creators of generative AI express their own apprehensions. He emphasizes, “The warnings about generative AI are resonating loudly, especially coming from the very developers who pioneered its creation. It is crucial that we take these warnings seriously.”
In response to these concerns, Guterres has announced his plans to establish a high-level advisory body on AI by the end of this year. This advisory body will play a crucial role in regularly evaluating existing AI governance frameworks and offering recommendations on how to align them with fundamental principles such as human rights, the rule of law, and the collective welfare of humanity.
Moreover, Guterres is receptive to the notion of creating an international artificial intelligence agency, drawing inspiration from the renowned International Atomic Energy Agency. He finds this model intriguing, recognizing its potential to address the complex challenges associated with AI. However, he emphasizes that the creation of such an agency lies within the purview of member states rather than the United Nations Secretariat. The IAEA, founded in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, focuses on promoting the safe and peaceful utilization of nuclear technologies while actively monitoring compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Currently, it boasts 176 member states.
OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, recently suggested that an agency akin to the IAEA could play a crucial role in regulating AI deployment, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and effectively monitoring the usage of computing power.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also expressed his support for this proposal and aims to position the United Kingdom as a global leader in AI safety regulation. The UK is set to host a summit later this year, dedicated to fostering coordinated international efforts in tackling the risks associated with AI.
While Guterres endorses the idea of the upcoming summit in Britain, he emphasizes the need for thorough groundwork to be undertaken beforehand. He plans to appoint a scientific advisory board, comprising esteemed AI experts and chief scientists from various U.N. agencies, in the coming days. This advisory board will lend their expertise to inform policy and decision-making regarding AI’s future trajectory.
