The United Nations General Assembly has launched a call for binding international measures to prevent the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). Over 200 prominent politicians, scientists, and Nobel laureates, including "godfathers of AI" like Yoshua Bengio, have signed an open letter urging governments to agree on "red lines" for AI uses that are deemed too harmful to be permitted.
The letter warns that AI's current trajectory presents unprecedented dangers, including mass unemployment, engineered pandemics, and systematic human rights violations. It suggests prohibiting lethal autonomous weapons, autonomous replication of AI systems, and the use of AI in nuclear warfare. The signatories urge policymakers to enact a global accord on clear and verifiable red lines by the end of 2026.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa announced the letter, emphasizing the need for governments to come together to prevent universally unacceptable risks from AI and define what AI should never be allowed to do. The letter echoes past efforts but differs by arguing for binding limitations.
The Global Call for AI Red Lines is organized by nonprofit organizations, including the Center for Human-Compatible AI, The Future Society, and the French Center for AI Safety. The UN will launch its first diplomatic AI body, highlighting the growing concern over AI's potential threats and benefits.
