UN Summit on AI Governance Opens in Geneva

A two-day UN summit on artificial intelligence governance opened in Geneva on Monday. Governments, technology companies, academics and civil society groups are attending the Global Dialogue on AI Governance to discuss regulation of the technology. The meeting follows publication of a report by the UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

The report examines both opportunities and risks associated with AI systems.

Participants said AI could support economic development, improve government services and advance health and science systems. Machine learning applications could also increase productivity, according to statements at the meeting. Other speakers noted that AI systems are approaching or surpassing human capabilities in multiple domains.

They said the technology is advancing faster than scientific understanding and government regulatory capacity.

Some participants said frontier AI development is concentrated in two countries. This concentration leaves other nations, particularly developing countries, with questions about access and competitiveness. Speakers also addressed risks including deceptive AI behavior and potential misuse for coercive purposes.

One participant said the first generation of AI on social media accelerated the spread of false information. The world cannot govern what it cannot understand, one speaker stated.