Sunday, August 30, 2026
A systemic approach is essential for effective global control of AI
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/30/ais-worst-disasters-will-arrive-unannounced
In his recent letter about regulating AI, Miles Brundage, failed to mention an international effort seeking broad political support for a global AI treaty.
(See: “I worked at OpenAI. Here are the guardrails we need now,” 21 August 2026.)
This global initiative is carrying forward a compelling proposal made at the inaugural U.N. Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva last month, when the Secretary-General called for human control of AI - as its dangerous applications spread in weaponry and subversive, prejudicial public surveillance.
A fragmented, voluntary approach by the private sector as described by Mr. Brundage is likely to greatly increase the difficulty of implementing AI controls that are timely, internationally negotiated, and therefore effective.
AI itself, corporate agendas, diverse national defense and economic goals, as well as the proliferation of energy-intensive datacenters and their supply chains, are entangled in interlocking systemic interrelationships that cannot be resolved through disjointed incrementalism.
This is especially true as the pace of innovation accelerates, exacerbating worst-case scenarios of advanced AI technology, posing increasingly dire risks. No matter how well-intended, fragmented efforts will be diversionary and cause crucial delays, impeding the diligent pursuit of a systemic global strategy to preempt destructive outcomes. Such outcomes could result from malicious use of AI by humans and/or subversive and deceptive activities of renegade algorithms – examples of which are already alarming.
Another troubling aspect of this systemic dilemma must be addressed. Mounting bi-partisan opposition to datacenters – though well-justified and well-substantiated – is preempting the political diligence needed to control AI and implement appropriate restraints (bans or moratoria) until reliable AI safeguards can be established.
This is analogous to focusing on treating a serious symptom in lieu of urgently seeking a remedy for the critical disease that’s causing it. Surely it’s possible to employ a multifaceted strategy, recognizing that the sooner rigorous AI guardrails are established, the fewer datacenter harms will be suffered.
Like climate change, the threats of advanced AI are inherently global, making an international approach essential.
David Kyler
Saint Simons Island, Georgia