UN rights chief warns over generative AI

GENEVA, Nov 24 (AFP): The UN on Monday warned that generative AI could become "a modern-day Frankenstein's monster", with human rights the first casualty, as powerful tech giants unleash the technology on the world.

UN rights chief Volker Turk said generative AI had "tremendous promise" but told the world body's business and human rights forum that its "exploitation for purely political or economic benefit can manipulate, distort, and distract".

"When powerful tech giants introduce new technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence, human rights can be the first casualty," he said.

"The threats to several human rights, including privacy, political participation, free expression and work are clear and present," he added.

"Without proper safeguards and regulations, AI systems have the potential to turn into a modern-day Frankenstein's monster", he added.