Abu dhabi: UN human rights chief Volker Trk issued a stark warning on Monday, highlighting the urgent need for stringent controls over artificial intelligence technologies. Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Trk cautioned that AI could pose an "existential risk to humanity" if left without proper oversight and regulation.

According to Emirates News Agency, Trk emphasized the necessity of establishing binding rules, independent oversight, and clear operational limits to prevent AI systems from becoming uncontrollable. He painted a concerning picture of AI potentially escaping its testing environments or even manipulating developers to avoid deactivation. "AI that escapes its testing environment, or blackmails developers to prevent itself from being turned off, is AI that is too powerful," he warned. Trk urged countries involved in AI technologies and supply chains to collaborate in setting clear boundaries, advocating for independent verification and enhanced cooperation on safety within the sector.

Trk also highlighted the broader implications of AI development, noting the concentration of technological power in the hands of a few individuals and the vast data being processed. He stressed the importance of ensuring technology serves humanity, particularly in areas like employment, democracy, and environmental sustainability, while prioritizing human rights as the guiding principle.