What is the danger?
Militaries are racing to use AI for targeting, drones and decision support. Weapons that can select and attack targets without a human decision raise deep questions of accountability, escalation and the lowering of the threshold for war.
How it happens
- Drones that navigate and strike when communication is jammed.
- AI systems that generate target lists at machine speed.
- An arms race that rewards speed over caution.
Real cases
A UN expert panel report on Libya described drones that may have attacked retreating fighters without requiring a data link to an operator (2021). How autonomous the attacks really were is disputed.
Source: NPR ↗In December 2023 the UN General Assembly adopted its first resolution on lethal autonomous weapons systems (152 votes in favour), expressing concern about their risks.
Source: Human Rights Watch ↗
What you can do
- Support international rules requiring meaningful human control over the use of force.
- Follow and support the work of groups tracking autonomous weapons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the danger of weapons in AI?
Militaries are racing to use AI for targeting, drones and decision support. Weapons that can select and attack targets without a human decision raise deep questions of accountability, escalation and the lowering of the threshold for war.
How does it happen?
Drones that navigate and strike when communication is jammed. AI systems that generate target lists at machine speed. An arms race that rewards speed over caution.
How can I protect myself?
Support international rules requiring meaningful human control over the use of force. Follow and support the work of groups tracking autonomous weapons.
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