UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is developing faster than governments can create rules to control its risks.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is developing faster than governments and international organisations can create rules to manage it.
He made the statement during a major government-level global dialogue on artificial intelligence in Geneva, Switzerland.
Guterres said AI has the power to change economies, jobs, elections, security systems and daily life. But he warned that the technology is moving forward at a speed that even the people building it may not fully understand.
The UN chief called for stronger global rules so that AI can be used safely and responsibly.
He said countries need to work together because AI is not limited to one country. A powerful AI system developed in one part of the world can affect people, businesses and governments everywhere.
The warning comes as AI tools are becoming more common in offices, schools, hospitals, banks, social media platforms and government systems.
AI Is Changing Jobs and Businesses
Artificial intelligence is already changing the way people work.
AI tools can write emails, create images, translate languages, analyse data, make presentations and help with computer coding.
Many companies are using AI to save time and reduce costs.
Customer support teams are using chatbots. Banks are using AI to detect fraud. Hospitals are using AI to study medical reports. Schools are using AI tools for learning and research.
However, AI is also creating concern about jobs.
Some workers fear that AI may replace certain types of work, especially jobs that involve repeated tasks.
Guterres said AI could reshape the world of work. This means governments need to prepare workers for new skills and protect people from sudden job loss.
Experts believe that AI may remove some jobs but also create new jobs in technology, cybersecurity, data analysis and AI safety.
Concern Over AI and Elections
The UN chief also warned that AI can influence elections.
AI can create fake photos, fake videos and fake voices that look real. These are often called deepfakes.
A deepfake video can make it appear that a political leader said something they never said.
This can confuse voters and spread false information during elections.
Social media platforms have already faced criticism for allowing fake news and misleading content to spread quickly.
With AI, false content can be created faster and in larger amounts.
Governments are now trying to create rules to stop the misuse of AI during elections.
Some countries are asking technology companies to label AI-generated content clearly.
Others are working on laws against fake videos and online misinformation.
Children Need Stronger Protection
Guterres said children need special protection from AI risks.
Children are using the internet, mobile phones and social media at a young age.
AI can be useful for education, but it can also expose children to harmful content, online bullying and privacy risks.
There are concerns that AI chatbots may give wrong advice or show unsuitable content to young users.
Parents, schools and governments are asking technology companies to create safer AI tools for children.
The UN chief said global rules should make sure that children are protected as AI becomes more common.
Countries Need Common Rules
One major problem is that different countries are creating different AI rules.
Some countries are moving quickly to regulate AI, while others have very few laws.
This can create confusion for companies that operate in many countries.
Guterres said the world needs globally harmonised rules.
This means countries should work together and create similar standards for AI safety, privacy and accountability.
A global approach could help prevent dangerous AI systems from being used without proper checks.
It could also make it easier for companies to understand what rules they need to follow.
However, creating global AI rules will not be easy.
Countries have different political systems, laws and views about technology.
Some governments want strict control over AI, while others want companies to have more freedom to innovate.
AI Can Help Humanity If Used Safely
Despite the warnings, the UN chief also said AI can bring many benefits.
AI can help doctors find diseases earlier. It can support farmers with weather information. It can help students learn new subjects.
AI can also help scientists study climate change, natural disasters and new medicines.
In developing countries, AI may help improve education, banking, transport and public services.
But experts say AI must be used carefully.
If AI systems are trained on wrong or biased information, they can make unfair decisions.
For example, an AI system used in hiring may unfairly reject some candidates. An AI system used by police may create privacy concerns.
This is why transparency is important. People should know when AI is being used and how decisions are being made.
Technology Companies Face Pressure
Major technology companies are under pressure to make AI systems safer.
Companies are spending billions of dollars on AI research and data centres.
They are competing to create faster and more powerful AI tools.
But governments and the public are asking whether companies are moving too quickly.
Some experts believe AI companies should test their systems carefully before releasing them to the public.
They also want companies to report risks and allow independent experts to check AI systems.
The UN has said that technology companies should take responsibility for how their products affect society.
Geneva Meeting Focuses on Global Cooperation
The meeting in Geneva brought together government representatives, technology experts and international organisations.
The aim was to discuss how countries can work together on AI safety.
The United Nations wants to create a system where AI development is guided by human rights, safety and fairness.
The organisation believes AI should help people instead of creating more inequality or danger.
The discussions may lead to future global agreements or guidelines for AI companies and governments.
What Happens Next
Countries will continue discussing AI rules at international meetings.
The United Nations is expected to push for stronger cooperation between governments, technology companies and civil society groups.
AI is likely to become even more powerful in the coming years.
The main question will be whether global rules can develop fast enough to protect people from misuse while still allowing useful innovation.
The UN chief’s warning shows that the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence will need stronger oversight, clear laws and responsible use.