The European Commission and the United Nations (UN) have expressed concern regarding the risks of four critical technologies, which include artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum computing, being weaponized by countries like China.
Citing an anonymous EU official, Reuters reported that the EU plans to complete risk assessments in collaboration with member states by the end of the year, while measures to mitigate these risks, including export controls, will be discussed next year.
The assessments are being conducted in response to concerns about AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology that could be used to enhance the military capabilities of countries and deeply harm one's economy.
Such efforts of the EU are reportedly part of its economic security strategy announced last June. It is similar to actions previously taken by countries like the United States and Australia that were concerned about China's growing influence in these critical technologies.
The EU is worried that China, which does not share the EU's values, may weaponize these technologies to harm their economy, FirstPost reported.
UN Also Expressed Concern on These Fast-Emerging Technologies, Including AI
While the EU has already announced its plan to tackle and assess the risks of these technologies, the UN also discussed in a First Committee meeting on October 3 about preventing the weaponization of these fast-emerging technologies.
A speaker from the Netherlands highlighted the creation and implementation of standards for these technologies' responsible use to prevent their weaponization. The speaker called others to join the over 60 States that have agreed to responsible development and deployment of military AI amid the existential threat of nuclear weapons use.
The Czech Republic, on the other hand, showed support by endorsing the newly issued Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy released by the US State Department.
Cambodia also echoed these sentiments by saying that human prosperity must be at the forefront when using these technologies rather than human superiority.
Real Modern Warfare
The weaponization of these technologies has reportedly long been practiced. Its most recognizable use could be pointed towards the conflict in Ukraine. Reuters reported that Russian and Ukrainian forces are already integrating their weapons with AI, satellite imaging, and communications.
But to answer whether these technologies could soon replace humans in war, experts suggest conflicting and mixed conclusions. A study by MIT rejected the notion, while a PBS interview with Paul Scharre, the author of the award-winning book "Army of None," said otherwise.
The study explained how AI technology still relies on humans to mitigate its errors and its apparent lack of real-time data, most especially during warfare, where quality data is even more scarce than bullets.
The MIT-published study concluded that human decision-making is even more significant than ever due to the emergence of AI. In the PBS interview last July, Scharre noted that the presence of unmanned drones used in the present-day military has raised "legal, and moral and ethical questions about human control over the use of force of war."
Scharre also explained an alarming picture of modern warfare by stating that ISIS has had a "drone army" in the past few years that is "pretty effective."
When asked if the US has a firm grip on these cutting-edge technologies, Scharre stated that the country was "woefully behind because the culture is so radically different" and the Pentagon "is moving too slow" in using AI.
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