UN human rights chief warns AI could become existential risk

UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Monday that the rapid expansion of artificial‑intelligence systems must be met with stronger regulatory safeguards, joining a wave of international voices urging tighter oversight. In a statement delivered to the UN Human Rights Council, Türk warned that unchecked AI development could evolve into an “existential risk to humanity,” echoing concerns raised by governments, industry groups and civil‑society organizations over the technology’s potential to amplify discrimination, undermine privacy and destabilise global security.

Türk’s remarks come as the United Nations prepares to convene a high‑level forum on digital governance later this year, where member states are expected to discuss a coordinated framework for AI accountability and transparency. The chief highlighted the need for binding standards that address both the ethical use of AI and the protection of fundamental rights, urging policymakers to act before the technology’s capabilities outpace existing legal safeguards. The call for coordinated action reflects a broader consensus that proactive, multilateral regulation is essential to mitigate the long‑term risks posed by advanced AI systems.