South Korea hosts global summit on AI in warfare

Attended by representatives from over 90 countries, including the US and China, the event aims to develop a non-binding blueprint for AI military applications.

Japan's antitrust regulator has launched a study into generative AI, focusing on competition risks posed by dominant US tech firms.

South Korea hosted a pivotal international summit on Monday to craft guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the military. Representatives from over 90 countries, including the US and China, attended the two-day event in Seoul. The summit aimed to produce a blueprint for AI use in warfare, though any agreement is expected to lack binding legal power. The initiative marked the second such gathering, following a similar summit in Amsterdam last year, where nations endorsed a call to action without legal obligations.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted AI’s growing role in modern warfare, referencing Ukraine’s use of AI-powered drones in its ongoing conflict with Russia. He likened AI’s potential in the military to a ‘double-edged sword,’ emphasising its ability to enhance operational capabilities and its risks if misused. South Korea‘s foreign minister, Cho Tae-yul, further underscored the need for international safeguards, suggesting that mechanisms be put in place to prevent autonomous weapons from making lethal decisions without human oversight.

The summit aims to outline principles for the responsible use of AI in the military, drawing from guidelines established by NATO and various national governments. However, many attending nations will endorse the proposed frame, which remains to be seen. While the document seeks to establish minimum guardrails for AI, it is not expected to impose legally binding commitments.

Beyond this summit, international discussions on AI’s role in warfare are ongoing. ThUN also explores potential restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons under the 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Additionally, the US government has been leading efforts to promote responsible AI use in the military, with 55 countries already endorsing its declaration.

Co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, Seoul brings together around 2,000 participants, including representatives from international organisations, academia, and the private sector, discussing various topics, from civilian protection to AI’s potential role in nuclear weapon control. The summit seeks to ensure ongoing collaboration on the rapidly evolving technology, especially as governments remain the key decision-makers in this crucial area.