The Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Hossein Simai-Sarraf, warned that the growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis could lead to a shift from data control to human control, potentially giving rise to what he termed an 'invisible dictatorship.'
These remarks were made by Simai-Sarraf during his participation in the 4th Global Forum on AI Ethics (GFEAI 2026), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 14 to 17, as reported by the IRNA agency.
Leading the Iranian delegation at the forum, the minister emphasized the necessity of seriously considering the ethical implications of new technologies. He stated that 'technology is not neutral, and artificial intelligence itself does not operate fairly. Sometimes algorithms destroy more than they build, and platforms become sources of harm rather than development.'
Simai-Sarraf noted that increased transparency and oversight by governments and authorities are vital. However, if surveillance is directed at ordinary citizens, tracking their behavior, relationships, and intentions, it could turn into an invisible dictatorship.
Addressing the ethical responsibility of AI platforms and developers, the science minister asked: 'Today, data is being used in ways that violate human rights and even lead to the death of children, which raises a serious question: do AI platforms take responsibility for how their technologies are used?'
He cited examples where chatbots refuse to answer questions about suicide, which is correct, but AI can also be used to identify and precisely target people with missiles, as happened with the primary school in Minabe, which was attacked by US missiles, killing 168 students during class.
In Simai-Sarraf's view, inequality represents another fundamental problem of the AI era. He recalled that unequal access to knowledge and opportunities has always created disparities, and AI is capable of widening this gap more than any other technology. Therefore, the ethical foundation must focus not only on preventing harm but also on ensuring equal access.
Developing countries must have the ability to create their own AI systems adapted to their languages and cultures, and international organizations bear the ethical responsibility of assisting these nations in achieving this goal. The minister added that technology should serve humanity, and AI should expand human freedom, not restrict it.
In response to a question about the most important measure to strengthen Iran's capacity in responsible AI, Simai-Sarraf stated that if the question had been asked before June 2025, he would have unequivocally answered targeted and sustainable investments in the water and energy sectors, followed by strengthening cooperation within Iran's AI ecosystem.
Regarding changes in regional priorities, the minister continued that 'today, I think eliminating coercive measures and establishing peace in the region are the main priorities for Iran, as well as for the entire region. These sanctions are unethical, and establishing security and peace is a moral imperative.'
The global forum serves as a key platform for promoting the implementation of the Recommendation on AI Ethics among all UNESCO member states. It facilitates the exchange of experience and knowledge between regions in developing AI policy, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacity to promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The forum, launched in 2022, was previously held by the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Thailand with co-financing from the European Union since 2024. The 2026 edition aims to create a favorable environment for high-level ethical reflection, linking governance discussions with technological innovations. The science minister plans to participate in specialized meetings, panel discussions, and negotiations with representatives from other countries.