British King Warns of AI Risks to Humanity, Urges Controls 'Before It's Too Late'

British King Charles III called on global technology companies on Thursday to establish adequate mechanisms and safeguards to prevent the emergence of “existential threats” to humanity resulting from the misuse of artificial intelligence.

Speaking while hosting an AI conference in Scotland, King Charles said that the task facing AI developers extends beyond merely advancing the technology; it also involves ensuring that AI remains firmly grounded in serving humanity, society, and the natural world.

He emphasized the importance of keeping humanity “sacred,” adding that the decisions made today will help shape the world in which future generations will live.

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The King stressed that the world is looking for reassurance from technology companies that “we will not lose control of our destiny or our lives” amid rapid developments.

He noted that the evolution of AI, in terms of its nature and pace, “raises both profound interest and deep concern,” warning of the potential for its capabilities to be used in “catastrophic” ways, which necessitates imposing sufficient controls “before it is too late.”

He highlighted the “urgent need to seriously consider the existential risks” associated with AI falling into the wrong hands.

The conference was attended by CEOs and representatives of several major global technology companies, particularly those leading in AI, including Google through its DeepMind division, Nvidia, OpenAI, and Anthropic.