AI Governance: Human Rights in the Balance as Tech Giants and Authoritarians Converge
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the world, the urgent question of who controls this technology and how it is governed has come to the forefront of global discourse. The implications of AI extend far beyond mere technological advancement; they touch upon fundamental human rights and the very fabric of democratic societies.
AI’s Impact on Society
Today, algorithms dictate critical outcomes, such as life and death in conflict zones like the Gaza Strip, while AI-powered surveillance systems track journalists in nations like Serbia. The emergence of autonomous weapons, showcased in military parades, demonstrates how AI is being weaponized, further complicating the moral landscape of modern warfare.
Governance Failings
Despite the pressing need for governance, current mechanisms are inadequate. Recently, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to create the first international frameworks for AI governance, including an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. While this nonbinding resolution represents a step forward, the negotiation process exposed significant geopolitical fractures.
Geopolitical Perspectives on AI Development
China’s approach, through its Global AI Governance Initiative, promotes a state-led model that deliberately excludes civil society from governance discussions. By framing AI development as a means for economic growth and social objectives, China positions itself as a leader in the global south, challenging Western technological dominance.
Conversely, the United States has adopted a technonationalist stance, viewing AI as a tool for economic leverage. Recent policies, like imposing a 100-percent tariff on imported AI chips and acquiring a stake in Intel, signal a shift away from multilateral cooperation towards transactional diplomacy.
The European Union has opted for a different route by implementing the world’s first comprehensive AI Act, set to take effect in August 2026. This legislation aims to establish a risk-based regulatory framework, banning AI systems classified as presenting “unacceptable” risks. However, the final version raised concerns, especially regarding the conditional use of live facial recognition technology and the exemptions for national security purposes.
The Environmental Toll of AI
AI’s rapid expansion also brings significant environmental challenges. Interactions with AI systems consume approximately ten times more electricity than standard internet searches. The International Energy Agency predicts that global data center electricity consumption will more than double by 2030, primarily driven by AI. Companies like Microsoft and Google have reported substantial increases in their carbon footprints due to AI-related activities, contradicting global sustainability goals.
The Need for Stronger Governance
The current landscape of AI governance is a patchwork of regional regulations and lax self-regulation by the industry, failing to meet the needs of a technology with profound implications for society. The concentration of AI capabilities in the hands of a few tech giants underscores the necessity for a governance framework that emphasizes power distribution and accountability.
To effectively address the challenges posed by AI, the international community must strengthen governance mechanisms. This includes establishing binding agreements on lethal autonomous weapons systems, which have faced stalled discussions at the UN for over a decade. The EU must also close significant loopholes in its AI Act regarding military applications and surveillance technologies.
Championing Human Rights in AI Governance
For meaningful change to occur, civil society must be actively involved in the governance of AI. The hope for a shift towards a human rights-centered approach to AI governance rests on the emergence of champions within the international system who prioritize human rights over national interests and corporate profits. With the rapid pace of AI development, immediate action is essential to ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of fundamental rights.
