In the face of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military field, the United Nations is stepping up its efforts to regulate the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). Between ethical concerns, technological challenges and risks to international security, the UN is calling for urgent collective action to address these new threats.

Autonomous systems and global ethical issues

Lethal autonomous weapons systems, also known as LAWS, represent an unprecedented turning point in the evolution of military technology. Unlike drones or guided missiles, these weapons can select and engage targets without direct human intervention. This autonomy raises serious concerns, not only for the risks of technological slippage, but also for the profound ethical questions it raises.

During recent discussions in Geneva, UN delegates emphasised the potential dangers of LAWS, particularly in terms of compliance with international humanitarian law. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, reiterated that ‘machines should never have the power to decide whether human beings live or die’. This statement reflects a clear position: any use of autonomous weapons must be strictly regulated to avoid abuse and guarantee respect for the fundamental principles of humanity.

Towards an international legal framework for military AI

To address these concerns, several UN member states are advocating for a binding international treaty on LAWS. The aim would be to establish clear and universal standards for the development, deployment and use of these technologies on the battlefield. Such regulation could include restrictions on the levels of autonomy allowed and on the types of targets that can be engaged by these systems.

However, reaching an international consensus promises to be complex. While some countries, particularly in Europe, support a complete ban on SALW, other military powers prefer a more flexible approach, emphasising the strategic potential of these technologies. The United States, Russia and China, for example, are investing heavily in military AI, arguing that these weapons could reduce human losses by replacing soldiers on the front lines.

Despite these differences, the UN is persisting with its inclusive approach, bringing together not only representatives of States, but also AI experts, civil society organisations and ethics researchers. This holistic approach aims to identify balanced solutions, taking into account national security imperatives while preserving fundamental human rights.

A necessary mobilisation of technology stakeholders

In addition to governments, the UN is also calling on technology companies and researchers to assume their share of responsibility. The rapidly expanding AI industry must ensure that its innovations are not misused for dangerous military purposes. This includes putting internal safeguards in place, transparency on defence contracts and the promotion of ethical AI.

Many voices, even within the industry, support this call. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI have already expressed their support for stricter guidelines on the use of AI in military applications. Renowned researchers, meanwhile, are calling for the integration of ‘human brakes’ in all autonomous weapons systems, ensuring that a lethal decision can never be taken without human validation.

The UN is also encouraging academic institutions to step up research into the societal impacts of military AI. Education and awareness-raising are seen as essential levers for training a new generation of developers who are aware of the ethical implications of their work.

By advocating strict international regulation, the organisation of United Nation is seeking to strike a delicate balance between technological innovation and the preservation of fundamental human values.

The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of Member States to overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal: to ensure that technology, no matter how advanced, always serves humanity, and not the other way around.

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