UN meets on rules for autonomous AI weapons

As more and more AI robots and drones are deployed to the battlefields of the world, the talks are taking on a new urgency.

The UN Secretary General has set a deadline for 2026 to reach an agreement on so-called «killer robots,» while great powers resist.

AI drones already deployed
— Time is really running out to put in some guardrails so that the nightmare scenarios that some of the most noted experts are warning of don’t come to pass, said Alexander Kmentt, head of arms control at Austria’s foreign ministry to Reuters.

Russia has already deployed 3,000 Veter kamikaze drones, which are capable of detecting and engaging targets, and Ukraine has responded with autonomous and semi-autonomous systems themselves. Ukraine did not, however, respond to Retuers request for comment on the matter.

US programs pending approval
Waiting in the wings are the XQ-58 Valkyrie, an AI-powered fighter jet, and The Replicator Initiative, putting AI drones in the hands of infantry units, which are pending only congressional approval in the USA.

The USA considers their programs lawful under current law, and has a policy in place to make sure there is a human in the loop before deploying autonomous systems.

Looking for a binding treaty
This is not enough, says Amnesty’s Patrick Wilcken to Reuters

— This issue needs clarification through a legally binding treaty. The technology is moving so fast, and added — The idea that you wouldn’t want to rule out the delegation of life or death decisions … to a machine seems extraordinary.

Talks are ongoing in New York and last from May 12-13, but it is not legally binding and the future of the process is unclear.

Read more at Reuters, and some info on US rules of engagement. See also tag: military.