UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk stated that the development of artificial intelligence technology must be guided within a human rights framework. Speaking at the 'AI for Good Global Summit' in Geneva, Türk noted that this technology fuels mass surveillance, disinformation and bias, drawing attention to the lack of regulation.
Reminding that new drugs are tested for years before being released to the market, Türk said the same rigor is not applied to artificial intelligence. 'AI is already transforming our societies, being developed and deployed at a very rapid pace,' Türk said.
The UN Commissioner also stated that the harm caused by AI-powered algorithms to children is increasing and that data centers have negative environmental impacts, while noting that the technology also has great potential to support medical diagnoses, accelerate scientific research and strengthen public services.
Volker Türk stressed that regulations in the public interest are essential for people to trust artificial intelligence. Recalling that in the fight against climate change, powerful actors delayed global action by casting doubt on science and prioritizing short-term interests, Türk said a similar mistake must not be repeated in the field of AI.
'Instead of questioning how AI systems work, who benefits, who loses and who is responsible, we are asked to believe it will improve life,' Türk said, adding that critical thinking is being ignored. 'Our task is clear: to ensure AI serves people, not the other way around. Human rights serve as a compass. Let us use them to the fullest,' Türk said.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
