Policy Briefs

G7-led Principles for Military AI Governance: Imperatives and Pathways

Task Force: Peace, Security and Global Governance
Authors: Sharinee L. Jagtiani, Ester Sabatino
Pubblication Date: May 2024

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively permeating every sector, ushering in a transformative era for technological applications. In the military domain, AI is hailed as the next frontier. From the battlefield to the boardroom, countries are fervently pursuing advanced AI technology, as AI applications seem to provide militaries with enhanced analytic capabilities, bolstering operational efficiency. Despite various recent initiatives to regulate the application of AI technologies, a global framework to govern AI in the military conspicuously absent. The lack of a common regulatory framework raises concerns about a potentially dangerous race to the bottom. This could lead to the deployment of progressively more destructive systems with insufficient restrictions. This policy brief strongly advocates for an augmented role of the G7 in shaping the foundation for shared principles for AI-enabled military technology. Establishing a unified regulatory framework at the G7 is imperative to tackle the humanitarian and ethical concerns posed by the use of AI-enabled military technologies.