South Korea is in the spotlight as it hosts an international summit focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military settings.
Over the course of two days, leaders from more than 90 countries gather in Seoul to discuss creating guidelines for responsible AI use in defense.
The event, which began on Monday, September 9, 2024, includes representatives from major nations like the United States and China.
This summit is the second of its kind, following last year’s meeting in Amsterdam where countries agreed on a basic call to action without any legal commitments.
Now, the discussions in Seoul aim for a more detailed plan for how AI can be employed in military contexts.
During his opening speech, South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun discussed the advantages and risks associated with using AI in warfare.
He pointed to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as an example, noting how AI-powered drones used by Ukraine have gained significant tactical advantages.
Kim stated, “As AI is applied to the military domain, the military’s operational capabilities are dramatically improved. However, it is like a double-edged sword, as it can cause damage from abuse.”
The summit’s agenda includes important topics such as making sure AI usage follows international laws and ensuring that autonomous weapons do not make life-or-death decisions without human involvement.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized the necessity for responsible AI development in military applications.
The discussions at the summit are not just about technology but also about the ethical implications of AI in military applications. While the goal is to develop recommendations for responsible AI practices, attendees know that any agreement reached will not be legally binding.
One of the key points of the talks is to establish a framework ensuring that the development and implementation of military AI respect global laws and ethical standards. This includes debates on how to prevent autonomous weapons from making critical decisions without human oversight.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul underscored the importance of these discussions by stating that a framework for responsible AI development is crucial to maintaining international security and preventing misuse.
This summit is part of a wider international effort to address AI’s role in warfare. Separate discussions within the United Nations are exploring potential regulations on lethal autonomous weapon systems, indicating a broad concern among nations regarding the risks posed by evolving technologies in military settings.
Additionally, a U.S. initiative aimed at promoting responsible AI use in the military has gained traction, with support from numerous countries contributing to the growing international consensus on the need for oversight in military AI applications.
The summit in Seoul, co-hosted by various nations including the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the UK, has drawn around 2,000 participants. This diverse group includes representatives from various sectors—governments, academia, and industries—showing that the conversation about military AI is multi-faceted and involves many different stakeholders, each playing a role in shaping future policies.
As the event unfolds, the outcomes may have significant implications for the future of AI in military contexts, balancing the push for innovation with the necessity of ethical considerations. The world watches closely to see what agreements may emerge from these international dialogues.
