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In the wake of emerging evidence that unregulated Artificial Intelligence (AI) puts children at a disproportionate risk of harm, global leaders are calling for stronger AI controls to be implemented on the international level.
The UN's inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance saw the presentation of a Preliminary Report by the UN Independent Scientific Panel on AI, which analyzed AI's societal impacts and risks. UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international governance, warning of AI's potential for 'catastrophic harm' and its rapid advancement beyond scientific understanding and governmental regulation. The report specifically highlights AI biases that can lead to discrimination against marginalized groups and notes gaps in addressing teacher professional rights and the often unproven benefits of personalized education through AI.
The report raises particular concerns regarding children's rights, citing an alarming increase in AI deepfakes using children's likenesses and their vulnerability to manipulation by interactive AI, which poses risks to their development, safety, and wellbeing. In response, Secretary-General Guterres called for all UN member states to adopt an AI Child Safety Pledge, demanding stricter testing and oversight for AI developers, stressing that 'No child should be a guinea pig for unregulated AI.' Education International advocates for thorough vetting of AI tools in classrooms to protect students from manipulation and privacy violations.
While recognizing AI's potential economic benefits, especially in developing countries, the dialogue stressed that such gains must not come at the expense of workers. The Preliminary Report emphasizes the necessity of complementary investments in skills, workflows, infrastructure, and labor-market institutions to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and prevent AI from widening inequality or displacing workers. Representatives from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Education International highlighted the need for greater attention to AI's impact on working conditions, including those of teachers and researchers, and the crucial role of social dialogue and collective bargaining in shaping labor and education policies. They demand that workers and unions have a voice in future AI governance discussions to realize the UNâs vision of âAI that serves people everywhereâ.