UN experts call for establishing framework for global AI governance

A high-powered UN advisory body said Thursday that global governance of artificial intelligence is imperative and urged the United Nations to lay the foundations for the first inclusive global institutions to regulate the fast-growing technology.

In a 100-page report, the group said AI is transforming our world, offering tremendous potential for good from opening new areas of science and accelerating economic growth to improving public health, agriculture and optimizing energy grids.

But left ungoverned, it said, AI's benefits could be limited to a handful of countries, companies and individuals, while even more powerful systems than exist today could upend the world of work, create autonomous weapons, and pose risks to peace and security.

The advisory body outlined principles that should guide formation of new institutions to govern AI including international law, and especially human rights law. It calls on all governments and parties involved in AI to work together to protect hum