UN Rights Chief Warns Advanced AI Could Threaten Humanity
Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights. Image: UN Geneva
UN rights chief Volker Türk warns advanced AI could threaten humanity without binding safeguards, independent oversight and firm global limits.
Sep 8, 2026
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned Monday that advanced AI could become an “existential risk to humanity” without binding rules, independent oversight and firm limits.
Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk said the technology should not be governed solely by the companies building it. He said he plans to approach AI companies in the coming days and urge them to take steps within their control to reduce risks.
“I share the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity,” Türk said.
He called for “cast iron guarantees”around AI safety and security, arguing that international cooperation must catch up with the technology’s rapid development....
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