Experts warn of autonomous weapons' risks and demand urgent regulations

The United Nations convened on May 31, 2025, to address the pressing issue of autonomous weapons, commonly referred to as "killer robots." The meeting highlighted the rapid evolution of warfare, particularly with the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and armed drones in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Participants discussed the implications of these technologies, emphasizing the shift towards remote warfare and the potential for machines to make life-and-death decisions without human oversight.

A key concern raised during the meeting was the adequacy of current laws of war, which were designed with human actors in mind. As autonomous weapon systems gain the ability to identify, select, and engage targets independently, questions arise regarding accountability and responsibility for actions taken by these machines. The potential for errors in targeting, especially in complex and unpredictable conflict environments, was underscored, with participants noting that mistakes could lead to civilian casualties and a lack of clear culpability.

The discussion also touched on the moral implications of allowing machines to decide on lethal force. Many speakers argued that such autonomy is ethically unacceptable and should be prohibited under international law. The United Nations' position is that explicit new international regulations are necessary to govern the use of autonomous weapon systems and to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Participants called for urgent action, stressing that the current lack of an international framework to regulate these technologies poses significant risks. They emphasized the need for immediate negotiations to establish guidelines that would address the challenges posed by autonomous weapons, as the integration of artificial intelligence into military systems is still in its early stages.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical need for a comprehensive international response to the challenges posed by autonomous weapons. As technology continues to advance, the urgency for establishing clear rules and regulations becomes increasingly apparent to prevent potential humanitarian crises in the future.