United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned the heads of technology companies about the dangers inherent in artificial intelligence, stressing that the future of this technology should not be subject to “the whims of a few billionaires.”
During his speech at the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in India, Guterres called on technology giants to support the establishment of a global fund worth $3 billion, with the aim of ensuring everyone has access to this rapidly developing technology.
Guterres stressed that: “Artificial intelligence must belong to everyone.”
He warned that the future of artificial intelligence “cannot be decided by a handful of countries, nor be left to the whims of a few billionaires,” noting that if immediate action is not taken, this could exacerbate global inequalities.
He explained, “If used properly, artificial intelligence can accelerate medical progress, provide more learning opportunities, enhance food security, support climate action and disaster preparedness, and improve access to basic public services.”
But he warned that artificial intelligence “may also deepen inequalities, amplify prejudices, and cause harm.”
It is noteworthy that the United Nations has established a scientific advisory body specialized in artificial intelligence, to help countries make decisions related to this revolutionary technology.
Guterres called for protecting individuals from exploitation, stressing that “no child should be used as a laboratory for unregulated artificial intelligence.”
He called for establishing guarantees aimed at providing effective oversight and accountability mechanisms, in addition to establishing a “global fund for artificial intelligence” with the aim of strengthening basic capabilities.
During the summit that brought together world leaders and senior technology executives, including Sam Altman from OpenAI and Sundar Pichai from Google, he said: “Our goal is to reach $3 billion.”
He added, “This amount does not exceed 1% of the annual revenues of a single technology company. It is a small price to pay for the widespread spread of artificial intelligence that benefits everyone, including the companies developing it.”
He warned that if investment is not made, “many countries will be excluded from the age of artificial intelligence,” which will exacerbate disparities globally.
He also warned that with the huge increase in the energy and water needs of artificial intelligence, data centers must switch to clean energy sources, instead of vulnerable communities bearing this burden.
