The United Nations has issued a strong warning about the risks posed by generative artificial intelligence, saying the technology could become “a modern-day Frankenstein's monster” if not properly regulated.
The concern was raised as major tech companies continue to roll out advanced AI tools worldwide.
UN rights chief Volker Turk said that while generative AI offers “tremendous promise”, its misuse for political or economic gains could “manipulate, distort, and distract”. He delivered the remarks at the UN Business and Human Rights Forum.
Turk cautioned that when powerful tech giants introduce new technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence, human rights can be the first casualty. He said the dangers to rights such as privacy, political participation, free expression, and labour were clear and present.
He added that without proper safeguards and regulations, AI systems had the potential to turn into a modern-day Frankenstein's monster.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that today’s risks could materialise into harms that undermine the promise of emerging technologies and could unleash unpredictable consequences. He urged governments to act, saying that they had a responsibility to come together to prevent such an outcome.
Turk also warned about the growing concentration of corporate power beyond AI.
He pointed to the increasing accumulation of personal and corporate wealth among a few large companies, noting that in some cases it exceeded the economies of entire countries. He emphasised that when such power was not constrained by law, it could lead to abuse and subjugation.