A group of scientists is campaigning for a preemptive ban on autonomous weapons technology that may someday power what they call "killer robots". Those who support the development of lethal autonomous weapons say using independently thinking machines could make wars more efficient and result in fewer civilian deaths, provided that the systems are programmed to make ethical decisions and follow international law.
With no international regulations and the world's superpowers eagerly pursuing military uses for artificial intelligence, the primary concern is that humanity is headed toward a future where armies of autonomous robots will fight man's wars with limited human oversight.
In this episode, we'll look at the debate over banning killer robots and examine the ethical issues of using artificial intelligence in warfare. Join the conversation at 1930GMT.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Paul Scharre @paul_scharre
Director, Technology and National Security Program, Center for a New American Security
paulscharre.com
Elke Schwarz @ElkeSchwarz
Lecturer in International Politics, University of Leicester
Alex Salkever @AlexSalkever
Author, "The Driver in the Driverless Car"
alexsalkever.com
Read more:
Killer robots: pressure builds for ban as governments meet - The Guardian
A global arms race for killer robots is transforming the battlefield - Time
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
What does the killing of a Kosovo Serb politician reveal about the deep fault lines running through the Balkan state?
Iraqi artists Dia al-Azzawi and Mahmoud Obaidi discuss the ongoing conflict and destruction in their homeland.
While working on a kibbutz in 1967, a Japanese journalist discovers the hidden remains of a Palestinian village.
We meet John Nicholson, Trump's top general in Afghanistan, to find out if the conflict can ever be brought to an end.
