‘Life and death’: Senator’s nuclear AI warning

Nuclear weapons could be fired by artificial intelligence, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister has warned the United Nations.

Speaking to the UN in New York on Thursday US time, Penny Wong issued a stark speech about technological advancements and armed conflict.

“AI’s potential use in nuclear weapons and unmanned systems challenges the future of humanity,” she said.

“Nuclear warfare has so far been constrained by human judgment, by leaders who bear responsibility and by human conscience. AI has no such concern, nor can it be held accountable.

“These weapons threaten to change war itself and they risk escalation without warning.”