Those who read me regularly know that I do my best to offer pragmatic, well-reasoned opinions about the potential implications of emerging technology. It is in that spirit that I want you to read the following introductory paragraph from the U.S Department of State’s Feb. 16, 2023 release entitled, “Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.”
An increasing number of States are developing military AI capabilities, which may include using AI to enable autonomous systems. Military use of AI can and should be ethical, responsible, and enhance international security. Use of AI in armed conflict must be in accord with applicable international humanitarian law, including its fundamental principles. Military use of AI capabilities needs to be accountable, including through such use during military operations within a responsible human chain of command and control. A principled approach to the military use of AI should include careful consideration of risks and benefits, and it should also minimize unintended bias and accidents. States should take appropriate measures to ensure the responsible development, deployment, and use of their military AI capabilities, including those enabling autonomous systems. These measures should be applied across the life cycle of military AI capabilities.
Please read the rest of the release and draw your own conclusions.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.