UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lends support to a proposal by select artificial intelligence executives, advocating for the establishment of an international AI oversight body inspired by the model of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Since its launch six months ago, ChatGPT has enthralled the public with its generative AI technology, capable of producing compelling written content from text prompts. As the fastest-growing app in history, it has garnered significant attention. However, AI has also raised concerns due to its potential to generate deepfake images and propagate misinformation.

"Alarm bells over the latest form of artificial intelligence - generative AI - are deafening. And they are loudest from the developers who designed it. We must take those warnings seriously," said Guterres, as per media reports.

By the end of the year, he has revealed intentions to establish a prominent AI advisory body that will engage in ongoing assessments of AI governance frameworks. The objective is to provide guidance on aligning these frameworks with human rights, the rule of law, and the collective welfare.

"I would be favourable to the idea that we could have an artificial intelligence agency, inspired by what the international agency of atomic energy is today,” he added. 

While expressing keen interest in the suggested model, Guterres acknowledged that the creation of such a body rests solely within the purview of member states, rather than the Secretariat of the United Nations. 

Drawing attention to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headquartered in Vienna and established in 1957, he highlighted its mission to facilitate the safe, secure, and peaceful utilization of nuclear technologies, as well as its responsibility to monitor compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Currently, the IAEA boasts 176 member states. 

In a recent statement, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, expressed the idea that a regulatory entity similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could play a crucial role in imposing limitations on deployment, ensuring adherence to safety standards, and monitoring the utilisation of computing power. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom has voiced his endorsement of the concept, expressing his desire for Britain to serve as a hub for global AI safety regulation. Additionally, the UK is scheduled to host a summit later this year, focusing on the potential of coordinated international efforts to address the risks associated with AI.

While expressing support for the proposed summit in Britain, Guterres emphasised the importance of undertaking substantial groundwork before its convening. He revealed his intention to establish a scientific advisory board comprised of AI experts and chief scientists from various UN agencies. The appointments to this board are expected to be announced in the coming days.