Malicious use of AI could cause ‘unimaginable’ damage, says UN boss

António Guterres said the advent of generative AI could be a defining moment for disinformation and hate speech. Photograph: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

Malicious use of artificial intelligence systems could cause a “horrific” amount of death and destruction, the UN secretary general has said, calling for a new UN body to tackle the threats posed by the technology.

António Guterres said harmful use of AI for terrorist, criminal or state purposes could also cause “deep psychological damage”, and he said AI-enabled cyber-attacks were already targeting UN peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.