Establish global AI red lines to avert unacceptable risks

A blog article by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) discusses the new Global Call for AI Red Lines initiative launched during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which calls on governments to reach an international political agreement by the end of 2026 to prohibit specific, unacceptable uses and behaviours of AI. The campaign claims that as AI systems become more capable, the risks and harms they pose also increase. As such, without clear, enforceable red lines, the harms could become widespread and destabilising.

The call has broad support from a coalition of over 70 organisations and more than 200 prominent figures, including former heads of state, Nobel laureates, and AI pioneers. There is a growing international consensus on the issue, with leading AI scientists, civil society groups, and major tech companies recognising the urgency of establishing common thresholds for unacceptable risks. The campaign is now focusing on defining precise and verifiable red lines and establishing effective mechanisms for compliance and oversight.

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