UN Urges Safeguards as AI Rapidly Evolves

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing faster than governments can regulate, delivering major breakthroughs in healthcare, education, scientific research and food security, according to a new UN report released on Wednesday.

The preliminary assessment by the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will be presented to governments during the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva from July 6 to 7, ahead of a comprehensive report due in 2027.

The report notes that AI has already predicted the structures of more than 200 million proteins, accelerated drug discovery, vaccine development and research into antibiotic resistance, while also improving healthcare, agriculture and education.

It stated: “AI-powered early warning systems are helping to identify food insecurity before it becomes a crisis.

“Doctors are using AI to detect diseases such as breast cancer earlier, while health workers in developing countries are using AI tools in local languages to improve patient care.

“Improving lives: AI is supporting scientific research, making technology more accessible for people with disabilities, and expanding opportunities for personalised education and mental health support.’’

However, the panel warned that AI governance is struggling to keep pace with the technology’s rapid development. Without effective safeguards, AI could deepen inequality, spread misinformation, threaten human rights, disrupt labour markets and concentrate power in the hands of a few governments and companies.

The report said AI systems are becoming increasingly autonomous, capable of planning tasks, writing software and completing complex assignments with minimal human oversight, while researchers say their capabilities are doubling every few months.

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It also warned that AI is creating new risks, including cybercrime, fraud, disinformation, online abuse, mental health harms and environmental impacts.

“Criminals are using AI to carry out cyberattacks, fraud and social engineering scams.

“Some AI systems can reinforce harmful beliefs or behaviours, leading to mental health crises, including suicide.

“As AI becomes more autonomous, experts warn it could become harder to monitor and govern without stronger safeguards.

“The energy-hungry data centres which power AI are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions which leads to global warming.”

The report further noted that AI development remains heavily concentrated in the United States and China, leaving many developing countries without the infrastructure, expertise and resources needed to benefit fully from the technology.

It called for stronger international cooperation, independent oversight, common safety standards and greater investment in digital infrastructure, education and technical capacity to ensure AI remains safe, transparent and accessible worldwide.