Guterres warned against using artificial intelligence as a weapon of war (French)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "deep concern" about information that the Israeli army is using artificial intelligence to identify targets in its war on Gaza, denouncing linking killing orders to calculations "performed by cold-blooded algorithms."
"I am deeply concerned about reports that the bombing campaign launched by the Israeli army includes artificial intelligence as a tool to identify targets, especially in densely populated residential areas, which has led to a high level of civilian casualties," Guterres told reporters on Friday.
"No part of the crucial life-and-death decisions that affect entire families should be delegated to cold-blooded algorithmic calculations," he added.
An investigation published by the Israeli media outlets “972+ Magazine” and “Local Call” the day before yesterday, Wednesday, and republished by several Western media outlets, indicated the existence of a program in the Israeli army called “Lavender” that uses artificial intelligence to identify targets in Gaza with a margin of error, which is Which led to the killing of large numbers of Palestinian civilians, especially during the first weeks and months of the war.
“I have warned for many years of the dangers of weaponizing artificial intelligence and reducing the essential role played by human will,” Guterres said.
He continued, "Artificial intelligence must be used as a force for good that benefits the world, instead of contributing to waging war on a massive scale and obliterating accountability."
Israel has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip for about 6 months, leaving tens of thousands martyred and wounded, most of them children and women.
Israel continues the war despite the issuance of a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, despite its first appearance before the International Court of Justice on charges of committing genocide.
Source: Al Jazeera + agencies