UN chief backs idea of global AI watchdog like nuclear agency

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday backed a proposal by some artificial intelligence executives for the creation of an international AI watchdog body like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Generative AI technology that can spin authoritative prose from text prompts has captivated the public since ChatGPT launched six months ago and became the fastest growing app of all time. AI has also become a focus of concern over its ability to create deepfake pictures and other misinformation.

« Alarm bells over the latest form of artificial intelligence – generative AI – are deafening. And they are loudest from the developers who designed it, » Guterres told reporters. « We must take those warnings seriously. »

He has announced plans to start work by the end of the year on a high-level AI advisory body to regularly review AI governance arrangements and offer recommendations on how they can align with human rights, the rule of law and common good.

But on Monday he added: « I would be favorable to the idea that we could have an artificial intelligence agency … inspired by what the international agency of atomic energy is today. »

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