UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that advanced artificial intelligence could pose an “existential risk to humanity” and urged governments and technology companies to act before the technology becomes too powerful to control. 

Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk called for strong safeguards, independent verification and international agreements establishing clear limits on dangerous AI development.

He specifically warned about AI systems that could escape controlled testing environments or attempt to prevent humans from shutting them down, saying such behavior would indicate that a system is too powerful.

Türk also criticized the concentration of AI development in the hands of a small number of powerful technology executives and warned that AI could affect critical infrastructure, communications, employment, democracy and the environment, Euro News has reported.

He said he plans to contact major AI companies and urge them to immediately reduce risks, while calling for countries involved in AI development and supply chains to establish internationally agreed “red lines” for safety.