A preliminary report published on Wednesday by the International Scientific Group on Artificial Intelligence, an independent body under the United Nations, concludes that artificial intelligence is evolving faster than governments’ ability to keep up with its development.
Only a few years ago, its capabilities were essentially limited to answering questions or generating texts. But as AI performance accelerates, experts warn that the rules and guardrails needed to ensure safe use of this technology are not advancing at the same pace.
The report notes that the possibility of establishing an effective global governance system for AI still exists, but it may not last long.
It adds that AI capabilities have undergone remarkable development in recent years, and that the next wave of this transformation is already beginning to take shape.
Rather than merely responding to instructions, AI “agents” are increasingly able to plan tasks, use digital tools, write programs, and carry out complex missions, with limited human supervision, or even none.
According to the report, experts are concerned about new risks related to online abuse, misinformation, crime, mental health, loss of control, and environmental impact.
The scientific group concludes that AI is neither inherently good nor bad. Its ultimate impact will depend on the decisions made today by governments, businesses, and societies.
This technology is already transforming the fields of science, healthcare, education, and economies around the world.
