AI-empowered lethal weapons are already in use, with an algorithm reportedly deciding targets in the Gaza conflict. This comes as tech leaders warn about the threats of artificial intelligence, including the danger posed by AI-empowered lethal weapons, colloquially known as "killer robots."
The Israeli military reportedly used an AI system named "Lavender" to uncover patterns in phone communications that it equated with Hamas operatives. Individuals whose phones met these AI-determined criteria could be targeted. A separate automated system, "Where's Daddy?", then tracked these suspects to their homes, leading to their families often being killed as collateral damage.
Although a human was theoretically involved in the targeting process, Israeli intelligence officers reportedly passed on AI selections without significant review. One officer described spending approximately 20 seconds per target, stating they had "zero added-value as a human, apart from being a stamp of approval." The Israeli military reportedly tolerated an anticipated 20 civilian deaths for the killing of a suspected low-level Hamas fighter.
Governments have been meeting in Geneva for over a decade to address autonomous AI weapons. In early September, 128 governments met to approve a report intended to be a foundation for a binding treaty. However, lawyers reportedly sent by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin weakened a provision requiring human review of AI-developed military targets before a strike.