Red Line Crossed

The research and development in the realm of artificial intelligence have traditionally been kept away from military applications. It has been an unwritten rule in the world of science and technology that AI would not be used for enhancing conventional military tactics such as bombings or artillery strikes, nor would it be harnessed to design automatic weapon systems capable of executing missions without human intervention. In the past, this was the ‘red line’ that most scientists, researchers, and tech entrepreneurs agreed not to cross. However, recent times have seen a significant shift in this attitude. Not just the superpowers, but even countries like Germany are now actively participating in what seems like an AI arms race. This article discusses the potential dangers of this escalating situation.

In the world of artificial intelligence research and development, there was a time when a clear boundary, a ‘red line’ was recognized and respected by all. This line represented the collective agreement of the scientific and technological communities to refrain from using AI for military purposes. This prohibition was not just limited to enhancing conventional military tactics like bombings or artillery strikes. It also included the use of AI to design weapon systems that could operate without human intervention, carrying out their missions independently. The term ‘mission’ in military parlance is often a euphemism for killing. This ethical stance was widely accepted and adhered to, until recently. However, the current scenario presents a stark contrast. There seems to be an ongoing arms race where AI is the main player. Now, it’s not just the superpowers who are participating in this race, but other nations like Germany are also stepping into the field. This escalation brings along a host of potential dangers that we need to be aware of and prepared for.