UN human rights chief demands moratorium on AI technology
Michelle Bachelet has called for a ban on AI systems that do not comply with human rights laws
The UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for a moratorium on the use of AI systems that imperil human rights.
Michelle Bachelet said the sale of AI systems, including facial recognition systems that track people in public spaces, should be delayed until adequate safety measures are in place against violations.
She also demanded an outright ban on AI systems that cannot be used in compliance with international human rights law.
While AI systems can help societies "overcome some of the great challenges of our times," Bachelet said they can also have negative effects "if used without sufficient regard to how they affect people's human rights".
"Given the rapid and continuous growth of AI, filling the immense accountability gap in how data is collected, stored, shared and used is one of the most urgent human rights questions we face," she added.
Bachelet's comments came along with a new report by UN Human Rights Office, which examines the impact of AI technology on people's right to privacy and other rights.
'The complexity of the data environment, algorithms and models underlying the development and operation of AI systems, as well as intentional secrecy of government and private actors are factors undermining meaningful ways for the public to understand the effects of AI systems on human rights and society,' the report states.
The UN report also expresses concern over how some governments and private companies use AI applications without first studying the risks of the technology.
Bachelet warned that the data AI systems collect can be compromised, out of date and even discriminatory. It can affect people's rights to education, health, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and freedom of peaceful assembly.
While Bachelet didn't demand an outright ban of facial recognition technology, she noted said governments should stop scanning people's features in real time until they can prove that the technology is accurate.
This is not the first time that an international body has issued a warning about the use of AI and surveillance technologies.
Last month, a panel of UN-appointed experts called for a temporary ban on the sale of surveillance technology, following the NSO Group Pegasus scandal.
‘We are deeply concerned that highly sophisticated intrusive tools are being used to monitor, intimidate and silence human rights defenders, journalists and political opponents,' the panel said.
‘Such practices violate the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and liberty, possibly endanger the lives of hundreds of individuals, imperil media freedom, and undermine democracy, peace, security and international cooperation.'
In June, a WHO report warned against overestimating the benefits of AI in healthcare. It said AI technology holds great promise in this area, but only if human rights and ethics are put at the heart of its design and use.
In April, EU lawmakers presented the bloc's first ever legal framework on regulating high risk applications of AI technology within the single market.
The EU said it wanted to achieve ‘proportionate and flexible rules' to address the risks of AI and to strengthen Europe's position in setting the highest standard in regulating AI technology.