UN Sec-Gen A. Guterres Supports Creation of AI Advisory Body

UN Secretary-General António Guterres at press conference. Jun. 13, 2023.

Published 13 June 2023

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"...to seriously prepare the different kinds of initiatives that we will be able to take..."

On Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated hi fully supports the establishment of an AI watchdog similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

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"It's my intention to create a high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence to seriously prepare the different kinds of initiatives that we will be able to take ... I would be favorable to the idea that we could have an artificial intelligence, an agency, which I would say is inspired by what the International Agency of Atomic Energy is today," Guterres said at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

Guterres also emphasized the need to address concerns about advances in artificial intelligence and the significant harm caused by digital platforms filled with misinformation, proposing an international code of conduct as a solution.

The UN Secretary-General acknowledged that the "alarm bells for artificial intelligence are deafening," but he said that attention should not be diverted from the risks posed by digital technology. "They must not distract us from the damage digital technology is already doing to our world," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday backed a proposal by some artificial intelligence (#AI) executives for the creation of an international AI watchdog body like the International Atomic Energy Agency. https://t.co/HsZPoZzPpI pic.twitter.com/ifFWpKUypN
— People's Daily app (@PeoplesDailyapp) June 13, 2023

Guterres also referred to "the proliferation of hate and lies in the digital space is causing grave global harm now," stating that "it is fueling conflict, death and destruction now. It is threatening democracy and human rights now."

According to Guterres, a United Nations Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms is being developed in preparation for the UN's upcoming "Summit of the Future" scheduled for next year.

"Advertisers -- who are deeply implicated in monetizing and spreading damaging content -- should take responsibility for the impact of their spending," Guterres said, adding that "disinformation and hate should not generate maximum exposure and massive profits."

The secretary-general put forth several proposals, including calling for a commitment by governments, tech companies and other stakeholders to refrain from using, supporting, or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.