Responsible use of AI in the military? US publishes declaration outlining principles

Feb 17, 2023 · military ·

The United States has published a Declaration of Principles outlining the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations. The document, which was released by the Department of Defense, focuses on the ethical principles of transparency, human dignity, and the protection of civilians.

The document emphasizes that AI should be used responsibly and with respect to international law. It calls for the development of standards that will ensure that it is used ethically and with appropriate consideration of safety, privacy, and civil liberties. Additionally, the declaration states that AI should be used as a tool for enhancing “the human capacity for effective decision-making and precision targeting.”

The declaration also includes a commitment from the US military to develop and maintain a framework for the responsible use of AI. This includes creating systems that are capable of making autonomous decisions, while also ensuring that they are transparent and accountable. Further, the document outlines how the US military will use AI to help increase the speed and accuracy of its operations.

In addition, the document provides guidance on how the US military can use AI in a way that respects the civilian population. It states that the US military should strive to minimize the impact of its operations on civilians; however, it recognizes that civilian casualties may occur during conflict. As such, the document calls for the US military to develop procedures to protect civilians from the effects of AI-driven operations.

Finally, the document emphasizes the need for collaboration between nations when using AI. It encourages the development of international standards and regulations for the responsible use of AI, and calls for governments to collaborate on research and development related to the use of AI in military operations.

Overall, this Declaration of Principles outlines the important ethical considerations for the responsible use of AI in the military. It highlights the importance of transparency, human dignity, and protecting civilians, while calling for the development of an international framework for the responsible use of AI.