UN Chief Warns Unregulated AI Threatens Democracy

In Brief:

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that unregulated AI could destabilize democratic systems, urging countries to establish governance guidelines and promote responsible AI use.

Guterres highlighted AI's potential benefits but emphasized the need for international cooperation to prevent AI from exacerbating disinformation and gender inequality.

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UN Chief Warns Unregulated AI Threatens Democracy

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a warning that unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) poses significant risks to democratic systems by exacerbating issues such as disinformation and gender inequality. In a speech for the International Day for Democracy, Guterres urged countries to establish guidelines for AI governance and promote its responsible use.

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AI's Dual Impact on Society

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Guterres' warning comes amid increasing concerns about AI's role in spreading disinformation, as highlighted by Kenyan President William Ruto and other African leaders. Despite these risks, Guterres noted AI's potential to enhance public participation, equality, and human development if used responsibly.

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Addressing Gender Inequality and Online Threats

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The UN Chief emphasized that AI must serve humanity equitably, noting that current harmful social norms and online threats of violence against women in politics could be exacerbated by AI technologies. To counter this, Guterres urged member countries to use the upcoming Summit of the Future as a platform for discussing international cooperation on AI governance.

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Global Consensus for AI Governance

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Guterres advocates for a global consensus on AI to prevent its misuse in fueling hate speech and distorting public opinion through deepfakes. He believes that strengthening international cooperation on AI is essential to protect democratic systems worldwide.

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