UN chief urges tech companies to mitigate risks from AI

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, criticised major technology companies for their reckless pursuit of profits from artificial intelligence.

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Urgent action is needed to mitigate the risks associated with the rapid development of this sector, he said.

"Powerful tech companies are already pursuing profits with a reckless disregard for human rights, personal privacy, and social impact" stated the UN chief.

He called on the industry to work with governments to create "guardrails" for the use of AI technologies. According to him, it is necessary to develop risk management systems for both current and future developments in this sphere.

The UN chief noted AI's potential for sustainable development, but cited an IMF warning that new technologies could exacerbate inequality.

"We need a systematic effort to increase access to AI so that developing economies can benefit from its enormous potential. We need to bridge the digital divide instead of deepening it" Guterres summarised.

Also in his speech, the UN chief criticised fossil fuel companies for hindering progress in the fight against climate change.

Source: The Guardian