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Recent reports from Israel suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) systems are being used to identify potential targets in military conflicts. The AI system, known as Lavender, allegedly flagged a significant number of Palestinians as potential Hamas militants and targets for air strikes during the recent conflict in Gaza, based on statistical algorithms rather than human judgment.
This development marks a significant shift in the nature of warfare, as AI begins to play a role in life-and-death decisions. The use of AI in target selection raises important moral and legal questions, as it changes the role of human agency and accountability in the use of lethal force.
The deployment of AI-enabled weapons by one side in a conflict may spur an arms race, as adversaries seek to develop their own AI capabilities to remain competitive. This dynamic could potentially lead to a scenario in which wars are increasingly fought by competing algorithms rather than human soldiers.
In such a world, the traditional laws and norms that have sought to constrain the brutality of war may need to be adapted to account for the use of AI. AI systems, unlike human soldiers, do not have an inherent aversion to causing harm. An AI arms race could thus lead to wars of increased scope and complexity, as machines pursue military objectives based on their programming.
Moreover, delegating strategic decisions to AI systems creates the risk of unexpected outcomes. Unlike human commanders, who can be reasoned with and are subject to political constraints, an advanced AI pursuing its objectives might recommend actions that would be unacceptable to human decision-makers. The more a military comes to rely on AI, the more important it becomes to ensure appropriate human oversight.
To address these challenges, the international community may need to consider establishing norms and regulations governing the military use of artificial intelligence. Human judgment and accountability could be preserved by ensuring that humans remain in the loop at key stages of the decision-making process, from target selection to the choice to use lethal force. AI could remain a tool to assist human commanders, rather than a replacement for them.
At the same time, AI researchers and technology companies may need to consider the potential risks posed by advanced AI and work to develop safe and controllable systems. Just as some research into certain types of weapons is restricted, certain kinds of AI research may require additional scrutiny.
The emergence of AI as a battlefield technology represents a significant development in the history of warfare. The choices made today about the role of AI in military decision-making will shape the future of war and have important implications for international security.
Careful consideration and proactive efforts will be needed to ensure that the use of AI in warfare remains consistent with human values and international law.
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