Austria Calls for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Use in Weapons Systems

Austria Calls for Regulation of AI Use in Weapons Systems to Prevent “Killer Robots”

Austria is taking a stand against the unchecked use of artificial intelligence (AI) in weapons systems, warning of the potential creation of “killer robots.” Officials in the Alpine country hosted a conference titled “Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation” to address the issue.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg emphasized the need for international rules and norms to ensure human control over AI technology. He stated, “Now is the time to agree on international rules and norms to ensure human control. At least let us make sure that the most profound and far-reaching decision, who lives and who dies, remains in the hands of humans and not of machines.”

The conference included representatives from both government and non-governmental bodies, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Jaan Tallinn, a software programmer and tech investor, raised concerns about the accuracy of AI systems, citing examples of selection errors in both military and civilian sectors.

While the debate over the potential threats posed by AI continues, the U.S. and Great Britain recently forged an agreement aimed at the safe development of AI systems. This partnership emphasizes the importance of companies ensuring the safety, trustworthiness, and ethical use of AI technology.

AI ethics evangelist Andrew Pery of ABBYY emphasized the need for responsible innovation in the development of AI products. He cautioned against a “ship first and fix later” mentality, urging companies to consider the potential risks and harmful impacts of their technology.

As the discussion on AI regulation and risks continues, Austria’s call for action serves as a reminder of the importance of human control over advanced technologies to prevent potential harm.