The United Nations Security Council recently held its first debate on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on international security. The discussion, which saw the participation of experts in the field, shed light on the potential advantages and dangers associated with AI.
Secretary-General António Guterres kicked off the debate by acknowledging the potential of AI in advancing global development and human rights. However, he raised concerns about its potential to reinforce prejudice, discrimination, and authoritarian surveillance. Guterres emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that AI bridges social, digital, and economic divisions rather than deepening them.
Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, a leading AI startup, highlighted the benefits and threats posed by AI. While acknowledging its potential for enormous benefits, he also warned of the risks it poses to peace, security, and stability. Clark stressed the importance of not leaving the development and regulation of AI solely in the hands of the private sector. He cautioned that without robust and reliable rating systems, the future of AI could be dictated by a small group of private actors.
Professor Yi Zeng from the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences pointed out that current AI systems lack understanding and cannot be trusted as responsible decision-making agents. He emphasized that AI should be viewed as an information processing tool rather than an intelligent entity.
Imran Sharaf, the UAE’s deputy minister of science and technology, called for the establishment of agreed-upon standards to prevent AI tools from promoting hate, disinformation, and extremism. He urged the international community to act swiftly before it’s too late.
Ghana’s representative stressed the need to curb individual nations’ ambitions for military dominance and called for the development of frameworks to regulate AI for non-violent purposes. The representative cited the positive use of AI by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya but cautioned against incorporating AI into autonomous weapons systems.
Ecuador raised concerns about the militarization of AI and the dangers posed by lethal autonomous weapons. The speaker warned that turning conflicts into mechanized systems undermines disarmament efforts and puts peace at risk. He stressed the importance of utilizing AI to promote peace rather than fuel conflicts.
China’s representative highlighted the significance of human organization and responsibility in determining the positive or negative impact of AI. He called for the development of AI that ensures safety, fairness, and inclusion while prioritizing ethical considerations.
James Cleverly, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth, and Development, noted that AI has the potential to improve or disrupt global strategic stability. He mentioned the ethical questions surrounding AI’s accountability for deadly battlefield decisions.
The debate provided a platform for various perspectives on AI’s risks and benefits, urging the international community to work towards harnessing AI’s potential while minimizing its negative consequences. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration, regulation, and ethical considerations in shaping the future of AI.
