UN rights chief warns advanced AI could threaten humanity’s future

Tuesday 08 September 2026 - 08:21

By: Azzat Manal

UN rights chief warns advanced AI could threaten humanity’s future

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that increasingly advanced artificial intelligence could pose serious risks to humanity, calling for stronger safeguards before the technology develops beyond effective control.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk said he shares concerns raised by figures within the technology sector about the potential dangers associated with advanced AI. He also indicated that he plans to engage with companies involved in the development of the technology in the coming days and urge them to take immediate steps to reduce potential risks.

Türk warned that a relatively small number of individuals and companies currently have what he described as almost unlimited influence over the direction of AI development. While he did not identify specific organizations, the global AI industry includes major companies such as Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

The UN rights chief called on countries hosting AI companies, as well as those involved in the technology's supply chains, to establish clear “red lines” governing the development and use of increasingly powerful AI systems. He also advocated independent verification mechanisms and stronger cooperation between companies on AI safety.

His comments come amid growing international calls for coordinated rules governing artificial intelligence. Beyond questions of technological safety, policymakers and international organizations are increasingly examining AI's potential impact on human rights, employment, democracy and the environment.

Türk's warning underscores the growing debate over how governments and technology companies can encourage AI innovation while ensuring that increasingly powerful systems remain subject to meaningful human oversight and accountability.