UN expert panel begins work on human-centred AI governance study
A UN-appointed panel has launched a global study on artificial intelligence, focusing on risks, opportunities, and the role of human oversight in governance.
The United Nations has convened an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to examine how AI is affecting economies and societies and to support international governance efforts.
The panel, composed of around 40 experts, is tasked with assessing both the risks and potential benefits of AI systems. Its work will focus on maintaining human oversight in decision-making processes, reflecting a broader emphasis on human-centred approaches to AI.
A key concept under discussion is the idea of AI as a tool that supports human activity rather than replacing it, often referred to as ‘augmented intelligence’. The panel is exploring how this approach can be applied across sectors such as labour markets and healthcare.
The study will also address issues related to inclusion, including language diversity and access to digital infrastructure, which can affect how different populations benefit from AI technologies.
Concerns about trust, ethics, and accountability are central to the initiative. UN officials have raised warnings about the risks of unregulated AI, highlighting the need for governance frameworks that align with human rights and social principles.
Among the measures being considered are tools such as AI watermarking, which could help distinguish between human-generated and machine-generated content and improve transparency.
The panel’s findings are expected to contribute to international policy discussions, with an initial report planned for presentation at a global AI governance dialogue in Geneva.
