UN rights chief warns AI power concentrated in 'handful of men'

The United Nations' top human rights official issued a stark warning about the concentration of artificial intelligence power, telling the UN Human Rights Council that a small group of individuals now wields extraordinary control over technology that could pose existential risks to humanity.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk addressed the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, framing AI governance within a broader context of global instability driven by conflicts, climate disruption, and rapid technological change.

Concentration of power and data exploitation

"A handful of men has almost unlimited power over AI, which we are repeatedly told has unimaginable computing capacity," Türk stated, though he did not name specific individuals or companies. His remarks appear to reference the small number of technology executives who lead the world's dominant AI development firms.

Türk challenged the rhetoric often used by these industry leaders. "They talk about freedom, but on closer inspection, this turns out to be little more than the freedom to exploit our data," he said.

The commissioner acknowledged concerns raised by people working inside the AI industry itself, saying he shares "the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity."

Why it matters

Türk's intervention represents a significant escalation in international scrutiny of AI governance. Unlike regulatory debates focused on competition or consumer protection, the UN's human rights framework positions AI control as a matter of fundamental rights and global security. His announcement that he will directly contact AI companies signals that human rights considerations may soon factor more prominently in how these firms operate, particularly as they develop increasingly powerful systems.

Call for immediate action

The commissioner issued an urgent appeal for comprehensive safety measures, emphasizing the narrow window for action. "I am calling here, today, for an all-out effort to put cast-iron guarantees in place around the safety and security of AI, before it is too late," Türk said.

He announced plans to write directly to AI companies, urging them to take immediate steps within their control to reduce risks.

Türk situated the AI challenge within what he described as "an age of extremes," where multiple crises are creating widespread feelings of disorientation and powerlessness. However, he invoked historical precedent, noting that people have successfully confronted injustice and inequality by collectively upholding universal human values.

The remarks were first reported by DPA and delivered at the opening session of the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva.