United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned leaders in the technology sector on Thursday about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that its development should not be solely controlled by a select group of wealthy individuals.
Addressing a global artificial intelligence summit in India, Guterres urged tech magnates to back a $3 billion international fund aimed at ensuring equitable access to the rapidly evolving technology for everyone.
“The ownership of AI should be inclusive,” he stressed.
Guterres underlined the importance of not allowing a few countries or billionaires to dictate the future of artificial intelligence, highlighting the risk of widening societal disparities if immediate action is not taken.
“When utilized effectively, AI has the capacity to expedite advancements in healthcare, enhance educational prospects, reinforce food security, support climate initiatives and disaster readiness, and enhance availability of essential public services,” he explained.
“However, if mismanaged, AI has the potential to deepen inequalities, perpetuate biases, and generate harm.”
The United Nations has established an AI scientific advisory panel to assist nations in navigating decisions related to this groundbreaking technology.
Guterres emphasized the necessity of safeguarding individuals from exploitation, asserting that “no child should be subjected to unregulated AI experimentation.”
He advocated for global regulations to ensure supervision and answerability, as well as the establishment of a “Global Fund on AI” to cultivate fundamental capabilities.
“Our objective is to reach $3 billion,” he informed the assembly, which includes governmental figures and technology executives such as Sam Altman from OpenAI and Sundar Pichai from Google.
“This amount is less than one percent of the annual revenue of a single technology company. A modest investment for the widespread integration of AI that benefits all, including the enterprises developing AI.”
He warned that without investment, numerous nations would be excluded from the AI era, exacerbating worldwide disparities.
Guterres also cautioned that as the energy and water requirements of AI escalate, data centers should transition to clean energy sources rather than transferring burdens to vulnerable communities.
