[Draft] Ban on Lethal Autonomous Weapons

[Qvait]

Alright, so I worked with Abacuzyx to put together a resolution to ban lethal autonomous weapons. I saw their submitted proposal and was interested in the concept, so we agreed on putting forward the language seen below as a better starting point. Let us know what you think, any suggestions for improvement, or concerns that haven't been addressed below or revisions needed.

Ban on Lethal Autonomous Weapons

Category: Global Disarmament

Strength: Significant

Proposed by: Abacuzyx

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Recognizing GA #354 "AI Coexistence Protocol" and GA #355 "Rights Of Sapient Beings" for providing the rights of artificially intelligent beings,

Observing that some nations have researched or produced technology that can potentially or actually utilize artificial intelligence for the predominant use of offensive killing in armed conflicts,

Concerned that such technology could lead to a runaway arms race between militaries or trigger irreversible mass extinction events,

The World Assembly hereby,

1. Defines a "lethal autonomous weapon" (LAW) as a technological device programmed for offensive killing that can be operated by artificial intelligence or through commands from sapient beings;
2. Distinguishes LAWs from sapient technological beings that live independent lives similar to other sapient non-technological beings that may defensively kill an aggressor to protect themselves or others;
3. Prohibits the research, development, production, use, sale, and purchase of LAWs;
4. Requires the destruction of existing blueprints and technology that meet the definition of an LAW; and
5. Prohibits member states from exporting and importing LAWs and blueprints thereof to and from non-member states.

Co-authored with Qvait

[Hulldom]

“We would hope that those on the cutting edge of technology would be sane, but since we are realists and not just idealists, the Delegation from Hulldom supports this.”-EvR

[Separatist Peoples]

"Autonomous killing that fails to distinguish between protected and unprotected status is essentially governed by extant law. To the extent the proposal articulates a risk, that risk sounds more like science fiction than reality. Opposed."

[Tinhampton]

Alexander Smith, Tinhamptonian Delegate-Ambassador to the World Assembly: So if I stick a dart on one of my daughter's fancy drone thingies, I'll have to smash it to bits? Opposed.

OOC: Always glad to see really new people working with really experienced people on a GA draft.

[Totalitarian Missouri]

“This would greatly Cripple Missouri’s future fighting force. The weak attempting to control the Strong is unacceptable, and should be put down at the first sign. I’d implore fellow sane minded nations to do the same and Choose Oppose! -Empress Alison Young

OOC: Very Interesting idea for a proposal^^

[Goobergunchia]

We cannot support this as written given that the import/export restrictions extend to the exchange of information. The Moderately Liberal Unitary Republic is uninterested in monitoring what its citizens download.

If amended, we will reconsider this position.

[Lord] Michael Evif
Goobergunchian WA Ambassador

[Wallenburg]

Defines a "lethal autonomous weapon" (LAW) as a technological device programmed for offensive killing that can be operated by artificial intelligence or through commands from sapient beings;

Um, this includes any lethal weapon more complicated than a pointed stick.

[Comfed]

This proposal is needlessly strict, especially with the ban on information about lethal autonomous weapons. What's more, I don't support the principle itself.

[Abacuzyx]

Alexander Smith, Tinhamptonian Delegate-Ambassador to the World Assembly: So if I stick a dart on one of my daughter's fancy drone thingies, I'll have to smash it to bits? Opposed.

OOC: Always glad to see really new people working with really experienced people on a GA draft.

haha yeah it's cool!

[Picairn]

Defines a "lethal autonomous weapon" (LAW) as a technological device programmed for offensive killing that can be operated by artificial intelligence or through commands from sapient beings;

Um, this includes any lethal weapon more complicated than a pointed stick.

Heck, even tanks, aircrafts, and ships can fall under this definition with the latter requirement.

[Greater Cesnica]

Defines a "lethal autonomous weapon" (LAW) as a technological device programmed for offensive killing that can be operated by artificial intelligence or through commands from sapient beings;

"From the top of my head, this definition would encapsulate, ah, let's see... remotely operated drones, remotely operated missiles, automatically locking missile systems, automatically locking machine gun systems, remotely guided bombs, among other crucial mainstays of modern militaries. We are vehemently opposed to the prohibition of such technologies."