Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, Türk called for urgent global action to ensure powerful AI systems remain under human control and operate within clear legal and ethical boundaries. “AI that escapes its testing environment, or blackmails developers to prevent itself from being turned off, is AI that is too powerful,” Türk said.
Türk urged countries involved in AI development and supply chains to work together to establish binding rules, independent oversight and stronger safety standards. “We need independent verification and much closer cooperation on safety within the sector,” Türk said.
Türk warned that growing concentrations of technological power could place unprecedented influence in the hands of a small number of companies and individuals. “A handful of men has almost unlimited power over AI,” Türk said, calling for technology that serves humanity rather than undermining jobs, democracy and environmental sustainability.
Türk stressed that human rights should remain the guiding principle for AI development and deployment.
The concerns extend beyond commercial applications. Türk expressed alarm about the military use of artificial intelligence, particularly weapons capable of selecting and attacking targets without direct human involvement.
Türk said reports that fully autonomous drones had allegedly been used in the war in Ukraine highlighted the urgent need for international regulation. “I join calls for the urgent prohibition of weapons that can take lives without human involvement,” Türk told the council.
The warning comes as armed conflicts continue to increase globally. According to Türk, more than 60 conflicts involving at least one state are currently under way, the highest level since the end of the Second World War.
Türk also raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, renewed hostilities involving the United States and Iran, and the continuing crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
On Gaza, Türk criticised continued attacks affecting civilians, restrictions on humanitarian aid and plans involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. Türk also condemned executions and torture reportedly carried out by armed groups linked to Hamas.
“The international community must redouble efforts towards lasting peace, in which Palestine and Israel live side by side with equal dignity and rights,” Türk said.
Türk argued that rapid advances in AI, combined with rising global instability, make stronger international cooperation and accountability increasingly urgent.
–UN/Channelafrica–
