UN Experts Warn Against Market-Driven AI Development

A dire warning from UN experts: the development of artificial intelligence must not be left to market forces alone, citing grave concerns over biases, misuse, and dependence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that AI “must serve humanity equitably and safely.” The alarm comes as a report from a 40-member expert panel exposes a glaring “global governance deficit” in AI regulation.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES LEFT BEHIND

A staggering 118 out of 193 UN member states – predominantly from the global south – are absent from major AI initiatives, sparking concerns of unequal access and influence.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Establish a Scientific Expert Group on AI, modeled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
2. Create a light-touch coordination structure within the UN secretariat.
3. Adopt the Global Digital Compact to promote responsible AI development and use.

GOVERNANCE BODY DEBATE

While stopping short of advocating for a robust international governance body, experts suggest this may become necessary if AI risks escalate.

URGENT CALL TO ACTION

As AI threats mount – from disinformation and deepfakes to autonomous weapons and criminal exploitation – experts stress the need for continuous scientific assessments and policy dialogue.

“The development, deployment, and use of AI cannot be left to market whims,” the report warns. “Waiting for a threat to emerge may mean any response comes too late