Twenty-two world leaders have joined forces on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York to sign a declaration warning that artificial intelligence must remain under human control.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined leaders from Canada, Denmark, Germany, and the European Union to co-sign the declaration, titled “A Call for Control of Frontier AI Models”.
“Recently we have seen capable AI systems circumventing testing safeguards, exploiting vulnerabilities and gaining unauthorised access to real-world systems,” the declaration – which remains open for other leaders to sign – said.
“Leading scientists and executives are warning that the pace of development could outpace our ability to manage emerging risks.
“To realise AI’s potential, industry, governments and society must act now. We must address these risks and strengthen oversight – without widening the gap between countries in access to the benefits of AI.”
The leaders said the technology needs to “remain under human direction, oversight and control” and must comply with international law.
The declaration called on companies to develop transparent safety controls, governments to coordinate common standards, and for UN members to “explore creating an international institution, able to set standards, enable verification, and convene states when capability thresholds are crossed”.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese said Australia had played a “central role” in the drafting of the statement.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve lives, to strengthen our economy and productivity, and to massively advance science and medical breakthroughs,” Albanese said.
“But humans need to be in control of it. If it’s going to be successful, then we need to make sure that humans are at the centre of everything that occurs.”
Reece Appleton, regional director APAC at cyber security firm Huntress, told Cyber Daily that while he welcomes the call for stronger guardrails, criminals “will not wait for international standards, procurement processes or Australian policy”.
“Guardrails matter, but they will only work if paired with practical testing, visibility and response. Australia’s cyber capability depends on people with hands-on experience of frontier AI, not simply the infrastructure to host it,” Appleton said.
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