The United Nations has proposed the establishment of a new commission focused on ensuring 'human control' over artificial intelligence (AI), as articulated by Secretary-General António Guterres during the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi. This initiative comes in response to the rapid advancements in generative AI that have seen technology companies experience soaring profits, while also raising significant concerns about AI's implications for society, employment, and even global health. Guterres underscored the importance of moving towards a more evidence-based conversation about AI, steering away from hype and fear.

At the summit, which concluded on the same day, Guterres emphasized that humanity is entering unknown territory with these technologies. He criticized the existing narratives of panic surrounding AI, instead advocating for more factual assessments to guide the discourse. The establishment of the UN's new panel, comprising 40 experts, aims to provide scientific insights and recommendations to guide policy on emerging AI technologies. This move indicates an international acknowledgment of the need for governance and oversight in AI development and deployment.

However, the proposed commission faced immediate backlash from the United States government, which has long championed a more lenient regulatory approach to technology and innovation. The rejection reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and other nations regarding the best ways to manage the rapid growth of AI and the sociopolitical implications it carries. As countries navigate these challenges, the call for international cooperation on AI governance is poised to become a central issue in upcoming global dialogues.