Artificial intelligence (AI) has turned out to be a groundbreaking tool in the military sector, altering the nature of international wars while bolstering national defense. But as AI technology develops, ethical questions about its use are becoming more pressing.
AI is transforming the military industry by providing analytical tools and assistance for decision-making in various fields, such as ground combat and cybersecurity.
The Pentagon's sizable $1.8 billion commitment to AI expenditures for its fiscal year 2024 budget highlights AI's role in ensuring national security, with Military AI and machine learning patents increased from 1,000 in 2015 to 4,000 in 2022, according to a report from CNBC.
Main Objectives of Military AI
Since 2014, the US Department of Defense (DOD) has prioritized AI technology development in two areas. While "autonomy in motion" deals with AI-supported systems commanding unmanned vehicles, "autonomy at rest" deals with decision-making support software. Though, Military AI's main objective is to automate dangerous operations while reducing human deaths.
Additionally, the DOD has put in place a number of initiatives to enhance the adoption and integration of AI capabilities, such as the establishment of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) in 2018. In February 2022, the DOD established the Office of the Chief Digital and AI Officer to supervise data, AI, and digital solutions and replace the JAIC, as per the US Government Accountability Office.
The development of AI for defense centers on wise data use. Automated target identification skills, which serve as the "eyes" on the battlefield, are among the key areas of AI applications. A proactive approach to problem prediction and resolution is made possible by AI's assistance in data collection and analysis.
Although AI is intended to support human judgment, the rules governing its use in life-or-death decisions are still up for discussion. The Department of Defense stresses that potential deadly force must ultimately be in people's hands, not robots.
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Over 75 nations, including the US and China, use AI for monitoring in addition to its use in the military. Cyberwarfare has heightened the requirement for AI's rapid response and security against cyberattacks.
Senators Alarmed By AI Risks
Senator Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader, said lawmakers worry about AI's potential for danger.
The lawmakers want to convene hearings later this year to talk about potential legislative protections in response. Schumer highlighted the genuine bipartisan interest in AI legislation that fosters innovation while putting in place protections to avoid liabilities associated with AI.
Watch @SenSchumer and @SenJackReed speak to press following Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act: https://t.co/7ldc0MD07p
— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) July 28, 2023
The Senate will host "the first-ever AI Insight Forums" to hear opinions from developers, business leaders, and specialists, per Reuters. The measure comes after senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties voiced concern about the possibility of using AI to develop biological weapons.
Particularly with the introduction of generative AI, which can produce material that resembles that of humans, like ChatGPT, there has been growing worry about AI's risks to economic growth and national security.
Sen. Schumer, a Democrat, said that the US Energy Department, National Science Foundation, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which laid the foundation for the Internet, briefed senators on AI.
On Thursday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee proposed a council to monitor government AI usage and a top AI officer for each federal department.
