GENEVA. What rules to impose on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (SALA), called “killer robots” by their adversaries? Total prohibition, use of humanitarian law or unlimited use, such are the alternatives that 125 States are going to debate, in a forum that mixes high technology and ethics.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, yesterday called for the establishment of restrictions on the use of autonomous weapons (such as some types of drones), in a new round of negotiations to modify international arms control agreements that began yesterday in Geneva.
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In his message to the conference, which reviews the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (in force since 1983), the Portuguese diplomat called for "reaching a consensus on the ambitious plan to restrict the use of certain types of autonomous weapons," that did not exist when the international agreement was created.
Autonomous arms control has been debated within the UN for the past eight years, while new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition systems, have perfected this type of weapon.
Some of the 125 signatory countries to the convention call for its total ban, but powers such as France and the United States have shown reluctance to a complete withdrawal of weapons that they consider more precise than those handled by human beings.
The “Stop Killer Robots” campaign, which brings together 180 NGOs, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, has just backed dozens of countries that want a full ban, and the five-day talks are a unique opportunity to advance in it.
The issue of SALAs has echoed in public opinion, concerned about the development of artificial intelligence, and its consequences.
One of the difficulties lies in the fact that the present technologies have a dual military and civilian use.
Traditionally the Russians don't want to tie their hands and the Americans want a non-binding text.
On Friday it will be known if the States want to continue these discussions or not.
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