Speaking to the Security Council on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate human development, whilst warning against the malicious use of this new technology.
António Guterres warned that if artificial intelligence were to become primarily a tool for launching cyberattacks, generating deepfakes, or spreading disinformation and hate speech, this would have very serious consequences for global peace and security.
The UN Secretary-General urged the Council to address this technology «with a sense of urgency, a global vision and a learning mindset».
The risks of malicious use
«Let’s be clear: the malicious use of AI systems for terrorist, criminal or state-sponsored purposes could cause horrific levels of death and destruction, widespread trauma and profound psychological harm on an unimaginable scale,» Mr Guterres emphasised.
«You only have to look at social media. Tools and platforms designed to strengthen human connections are now being used to undermine elections, spread conspiracy theories and incite hatred and violence,» he argued.
«Malfunctions in AI systems are another major cause for concern. And the interaction between AI and nuclear weapons, biotechnology, neurotechnology and robotics is deeply alarming,» added the UN chief.
Mr Guterres nevertheless highlighted the use of AI in the service of peace and security, particularly by the United Nations, including to identify patterns of violence or monitor ceasefires, «thereby helping to strengthen our efforts in the areas of peacekeeping, mediation and humanitarian aid».
Serving the common good
Referring to the debate on AI governance, Mr Guterres emphasised the need for a universal approach, citing similar past experiences under the auspices of the UN.
«The international community has a long history of responding to new technologies that could destabilise our societies and economies. We have joined forces within the UN to establish new international rules, sign new treaties and create new global bodies,» the UN Secretary-General told the Fifteen.
He cited various existing examples relating to AI, including the Guidelines on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems; the recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence adopted by UNESCO in 2021; the recommendations from the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism on how Member States can combat the potential use of AI for terrorist purposes; and the «AI for Good » [AI for Good], held in Geneva last month, which brought together experts, the private sector, UN agencies and governments to ensure that this revolutionary technology serves the common good.
Establish a new UN body
The UN chief said that governance issues will be complex in a number of respects, due to the availability to the general public of certain powerful artificial intelligence models.
Furthermore, «unlike nuclear materials and chemical and biological agents, AI tools can be shipped anywhere in the world whilst leaving very few traces», he emphasised, also noting the leading role played by the private sector in the field of AI.
Mr Guterres highlighted the lack of expertise in AI within governments and other bureaucracies, a gap that needs to be addressed at both national and global levels.
«That is why I welcome the calls made by certain Member States for the creation of a new United Nations body to support collective efforts to regulate this extraordinary technology, drawing inspiration from models such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organisation or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,» said the UN chief.
According to him, a new United Nations body «would bring together expertise and make it available to the international community» and could also «support collaboration on research and development into artificial intelligence tools in order to accelerate sustainable development».
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, addresses the United Nations Security Council on the threat posed by artificial intelligence to international peace and security.
Recommendations on governance
Mr Guterres announced that he would convene a high-level meeting on AI, which will report on global governance options by the end of the year.
Its forthcoming briefing note on the new agenda for peace is also expected to set out recommendations on AI governance for Member States.
In particular, this document calls for the conclusion, by 2026, of negotiations on a legally binding instrument aimed at banning lethal autonomous weapons systems that operate without human control or supervision and which cannot be used in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.
Demonstrate leadership
The Secretary-General called on the Security Council, which is responsible for international peace and security, to «show leadership on AI» and to lead the way towards joint measures on transparency, accountability and oversight.
«We must work together to ensure that AI bridges social, digital and economic divides, rather than driving us further apart. I urge you to join forces and build trust for peace and security,» concluded Mr Guterres.
Tuesday’s meeting was convened by the United Kingdom, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of July.
This is the first meeting of the UN body responsible for global peace and security to discuss the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence to international peace and security.
Source: https://news.un.org/fr/story/2023/07/1136942
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