The United Nations has voted to establish a new international scientific panel to examine the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the United States. Supporters say the initiative marks a major step toward coordinated global oversight of a rapidly advancing technology.
A New Global Body for AI Oversight
The UN General Assembly approved the creation of the 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence by a vote of 117-2. The United States and Paraguay opposed the measure, while Tunisia and Ukraine abstained. Russia, China, and several European nations backed the proposal.
The panel will produce annual reports assessing AI’s risks, benefits, and broader societal impact. According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the initiative represents a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI.” He said that as AI development accelerates, governments need independent, rigorous analysis to ensure all countries — regardless of technological capacity — can participate meaningfully in discussions about its governance.
Industry Insiders Raise Red Flags
The UN’s decision comes at a time of growing unease within the AI industry itself. Several former employees from leading AI firms have publicly expressed concern about the pace and direction of development.
Mrinank Sharma, formerly a safety researcher at Anthropic, warned in an open letter that the world faces serious danger if AI systems continue to evolve without adequate safeguards. Meanwhile, Zoe Hitzig, once a top researcher at OpenAI, told The New York Times she has “deep reservations” about her former company’s strategy.
Prominent figures in the tech world have also voiced caution, including Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Steve Wozniak, all of whom have warned that unchecked AI development could pose serious risks.
Debate Over the UN’s Role
The 40 experts were chosen from more than 2,600 candidates after an independent review conducted by various UN bodies and the International Telecommunication Union. Members will serve three-year terms. Europe holds 12 of the seats, with representatives from countries including France, Germany, Spain, Poland, and Finland.
Despite broad international support, the initiative has faced criticism from Washington. Lauren Lovelace, the U.S. representative, described the panel as “a significant overreach of the UN’s mandate and competence,” arguing that AI governance should not be dictated by the global body.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies, security, and daily life, the debate over who should guide its development — and how — appears far from settled.
