Robot Killer Without Human Control Discussed At The United Nations, But Regulations Are Still Stabbing!

The United Nations (UN) member states met again on Monday, May 12 to revive efforts to regulate artificial intelligence-based autonomous weapons (AI), which are now increasingly being used in modern conflicts. But experts warn that time is running out to set a "limitary fence" against this deadly technology.

Autonomous and AI-based weapons systems have played an important role in war, from Ukraine to Gaza. The surge in the global defense budget only accelerates the development of this military technology.

However, progress in drafting global rules governing its development and use is far behind. Legally binding international standards are almost non-existent.

Since 2014, countries that are members of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) have been discussing in Geneva about the possibility of banning a fully autonomous system operating without significant human control.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has set a deadline of up to 2026 for countries to set clear rules regarding the use of AI-based weapons. However, human rights groups warn that there is no consensus between governments.

"Time is really running low to set limits so that the nightmare scenario that experts warn does not come true," said Alexander Kmentt, head of arms control at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, quoted by VOI from Reuters.

The UN General Assembly meeting in New York this Monday was the first to specifically discuss autonomous weapons. Although not yet binding, diplomats hope this consultation can increase pressure on strong military countries that reject regulations for fear of hindering technological advantages on the battlefield.

This meeting will also discuss other important issues that have not been covered by CCW, including aspects of ethics, human rights, and the use of autonomous weapons by non-state actors. Campaign activists hope that the results can encourage the creation of new legal instruments.

"This technology is developing very fast, we need a binding legal agreement. The idea to leave life and death decisions to machines is extraordinary and worrying," said Patrick Wilcken of Amnesty International.

The meeting comes after 164 countries supported UN General Assembly resolutions in 2023 calling on the world to immediately address the risks of autonomous weapons.

However, major countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and India prefer existing national guidelines or international law. The Pentagon says autonomous weapons could pose a smaller risk to civilians than conventional weapons.

The governments of Russia, China, and India have not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

Without regulation, autonomous systems continue to emerge. The Future of Life Institute noted that around 200 autonomous weapons systems have been deployed in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa.

Russia, for example, has used about 3,000 kamikaze Veter drones capable of detecting and attacking targets independently in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine uses semi-autonomous drones, although the Ukrainian government declined to comment.

Israel is also known to use the AI system to identify targets in Gaza. The Israeli mission in Geneva stated that it supports multilateral discussions and the use of data technology in accordance with international law.

But Human Rights Watch says there are still many questions regarding the accountability of international law that have not been answered. In its report last month, they warned that unregulated autonomous weapons could trigger an arms race and threaten human rights.

Laura Nolan of the Stop Killer Robots organization is also concerned that the current defense industry has not shown any signs of responsibly developing AI weapons.

"We can't just believe that the industry will manage itself... There is no reason to trust defense companies or technology more than others," he said.