Can a Machine Decide Who Lives and Who Dies? The ICRC on Autonomous Weapons, AI, and Human Responsibility

The ICRC emphasizes the need for new international regulations on autonomous weapons to ensure human control and accountability in warfare. Georgia Hinds discusses the ethical and humanitarian risks posed by these technologies, highlighting the importance of maintaining human judgment in life-and-death decisions. The ICRC argues that existing laws are insufficient to address the complexities of autonomous systems, which could lead to increased civilian harm and violations of international humanitarian law. A legally binding instrument is necessary to prohibit unpredictable systems and regulate others, especially as the arms race for autonomy in weaponry accelerates. The upcoming CCW conference in 2026 is seen as a crucial opportunity for states to negotiate these rules.