United Nations University

The United Nations University argues that artificial intelligence regulation should be grounded in human rights rather than technology-specific rules. The piece contends that existing international human rights frameworks — covering privacy, non-discrimination and freedom of expression — already provide a basis for holding governments and companies accountable as AI systems spread into public services and daily life, and calls for these principles to anchor new governance efforts.

The United Nations University has published a framework addressing how large language models can be used in agent-based modelling, where simulated agents act with plausible, human-like behaviour. The paper argues that plausibility alone is not enough: simulations built on LLM agents need technical safeguards and governance structures to remain accountable, transparent and reliable when used for research and policy decisions.