UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is advancing faster than governments can regulate it, urging countries to create common global rules.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is developing at a speed that governments and regulators are struggling to match.
Speaking at the first government-level global dialogue on AI governance in Geneva, Guterres said the technology is already changing economies, jobs, elections and global security.
He said AI has huge potential to help people, but it also carries serious risks if it is used without clear rules.
The UN chief called for countries to work together and create common global standards for artificial intelligence.
His main concern was that AI technology is being released and used faster than governments can understand, regulate or control it.
Guterres also said children need special protection as AI becomes more common in schools, social media, online entertainment and digital services.
The two-day meeting in Geneva has brought together government representatives, technology experts, researchers and international organisations.
The purpose of the meeting is not to create an immediate global treaty. Instead, countries are discussing how AI can be made safer while still allowing innovation to continue.
AI Is Changing the World Quickly
Artificial intelligence is now being used in many parts of daily life.
It is used in mobile phones, search engines, online shopping, banking, healthcare, transport, education and social media.
AI can help doctors detect diseases, help students learn new subjects and help companies improve their work.
But the same technology can also be used to spread fake videos, false news, scams and harmful online content.
Deepfake videos are one of the biggest concerns. These are videos created or changed with AI to make a person appear to say or do something they never actually did.
Such content can be used to damage reputations, mislead voters or create confusion during elections.
Governments are also worried about AI being used in cyber attacks, military systems and surveillance.
Guterres said AI has the power to reshape economies and influence global security. That is why he believes strong safeguards are needed before the technology becomes impossible to control.
UN Calls for Common Global Rules
Different countries currently have different rules for AI.
Some nations are working on strict laws, while others are allowing technology companies to develop AI with fewer restrictions.
This difference can create problems because AI platforms and online services are used across borders.
A company can create an AI system in one country and make it available to people around the world within days.
The UN believes global cooperation is needed so that countries can agree on basic safety standards.
These standards could include rules on privacy, child safety, fake content, election interference, job impact and the use of AI in weapons.
Guterres said innovation needs safeguards. He believes AI should be powerful, but it should also be governed properly.
The challenge is to make rules that protect people without stopping useful technology from growing.
Children Need Stronger Protection
The UN chief gave special attention to children during his speech.
Children are increasingly using AI-based apps, games, learning platforms and social media tools.
While AI can support education and creativity, it can also expose children to harmful content, misinformation and online manipulation.
Parents and teachers are concerned about children using AI chatbots without knowing whether the information is correct.
There are also worries about students using AI to cheat in exams or create fake images and videos of other children.
Experts say AI platforms should have stronger age checks and better safety systems for younger users.
The UN is expected to discuss how governments and technology companies can protect children while allowing them to benefit from digital learning tools.
AI and the Future of Jobs
AI is also changing the job market.
Many companies are using AI to automate tasks that were earlier done by people.
This can help businesses save time and reduce costs. However, it may also affect jobs in customer service, writing, design, data entry, transport and other sectors.
Some experts believe AI will create new jobs in technology, data analysis, cybersecurity and digital services.
Others worry that workers may lose jobs if they do not receive training for new skills.
Governments are being asked to prepare workers for this change.
Training programmes, digital education and job support may become more important in the coming years.
The UN has said that AI should be used in a way that benefits all people, not only large companies or rich countries.
AI Can Affect Elections and Democracy
Another major concern is the use of AI during elections.
AI can create fake speeches, fake images and false social media posts that look real.
This can make it difficult for voters to know what information is true.
Political campaigns may use AI to target people with personalised messages.
This can influence public opinion and create division.
Governments around the world are now discussing rules for AI-generated political content.
Some countries are considering labels that would tell users when an image, video or voice has been created using AI.
The UN believes transparency is important so that people can identify fake or manipulated content.
First Global AI Assessment Under Discussion
The Geneva meeting will also consider a report prepared by a UN-backed independent scientific panel.
The panel includes 40 experts who have studied the possible benefits and risks of AI.
The report is described as the first global and independent scientific assessment of artificial intelligence.
A more detailed report is expected next year.
Another global meeting on AI governance is also planned in New York.
The UN hopes these discussions will help countries understand AI better and build trust between governments, researchers and technology companies.
Technology Companies Also Face Pressure
Technology companies are under growing pressure to make their AI systems safer.
Many major companies are developing advanced AI tools that can write text, create images, produce videos and answer questions.
These tools are becoming more powerful every year.
Governments want companies to explain how their AI systems work and what safety checks they use.
There are also calls for companies to take responsibility if their technology is used for scams, hate content, fake news or cybercrime.
At the same time, companies say they need freedom to innovate and compete in the fast-growing AI industry.
Finding a balance between safety and innovation will be one of the biggest challenges for governments.
What Happens Next
The UN dialogue in Geneva is expected to continue with discussions on AI safety, global rules and international cooperation.
No final global law is expected immediately, but the meeting is seen as an important first step.
The UN wants countries to agree that AI should be developed responsibly and used for public benefit.
For now, Guterres’ message is clear: artificial intelligence is moving quickly, and governments cannot wait too long to create rules that protect people, children and democracy.