Swarms of AI-powered drones that pick who to kill are
already invading the skies over Ukraine. Unconscious,
unaccountable... They're like flying landmines that kill and maim
with impunity.
The usual suspects oppose new international law on autonomous
weapons systems (AWS), like they opposed banning landmines too. But
UN talks in New York are underway right now, with momentum for a
ban treaty building among states from all corners of the
globe.
Let's support the tireless work that human rights campaigners and
diplomats are doing on the ground, and counter the merchants of war.
When we get to 100,000 signatures, we'll deliver the petition in New
York.
Tell all government leaders: launch negotiations for a
treaty to ban autonomous weapon systems.
AI warfare makes the world a far more dangerous place. For one,
replacing soldiers with AI-powered drones makes it easier for
governments to choose to go to war. It also encourages
governments and corporations to keep mining our personal data,
scanning all our photos, phone calls and social media… reducing us
to objects, stereotypes, and data points for killer robots to
some day “delete” at will.
Advocates say AWS can boost military precision and efficiency.
But military spending is through the roof, so any efficiency gains
(if you can believe them!) are just fueling more warfare, not peace
and human security. Their “military precision” claims hold no water
either – and if anything, AI only increases the risks posed
by nuclear weapons, by compress decision-making timelines and
increasing miscalculation risks.
Machines can’t make complex ethical choices, and can never be
held to account. People must.
Tell all government leaders: launch negotiations for a
treaty to ensure human control in the use of force and to prohibit
machines that target people.
An amazing coalition of NGOs, academics and activists has been
pushing for a binding treaty for years. The UN General Assembly
First Committee on Disarmament and International Security began its
80th session on October 8, which will continue until November 7. The
Committee will take action on resolutions towards the end of its
session, so we have only days to influence them.
Let’s show them we want a binding treaty – not killer
robots and endless wars.
