In Vienna on Monday, the international community gathered to discuss the regulation of autonomous weapons that are equipped with artificial intelligence. These weapons, both defensive and offensive, have raised concerns about the implications of their use. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons has been discussing how to regulate these weapons for years, but consensus on international standards has not been reached.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg warned that humanity is at a crossroads due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. He compared this moment to the creation of the first nuclear bomb in 1945, emphasizing the need for international rules and norms to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of these technologies.
The debate around autonomous weapons focuses not only on their potential risks but also on legal responsibilities, such as the role of humans in managing these systems. Major world powers like the United States, China, India, and Russia have differing views on regulation. The conference attendees included representatives of countries like Costa Rica, which are advocating for regional rules and regulations for autonomous weapons.
Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Red Cross, emphasized the importance of international regulation to prevent the misuse of AI in weapons systems. The conference aims to highlight key points for a future legal instrument to regulate autonomous weapons, even without the participation of all major countries.
