Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023
The bill asserts that the deployment of autonomous weapon systems incapable of human oversight could violate international humanitarian laws. It emphasizes that any decision to launch nuclear weapons should remain under human jurisdiction. This approach aims to not only adhere to legal norms but also to mitigate the risks associated with potentially catastrophic decisions being made by algorithms without human moral judgment.
SB1394, also known as the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023, was introduced to prohibit the use of Federal funds for launching nuclear weapons through autonomous weapons systems that lack meaningful human control. This legislative initiative arises from growing concerns regarding the implications of using autonomous technology in lethal military operations, especially in relation to nuclear warfare, which could significantly impact national and global security.
Opponents of autonomous weapon systems argue that the absence of human control during critical military engagements leads to ethical dilemmas and unpredictable outcomes. This bill, by restricting federal funds for their deployment, may provoke discussions surrounding military modernization, national defense strategies, and the balance between technological advancement and human oversight in military affairs. Proponents believe the bill is a necessary measure to prevent the delegation of life-and-death decisions to artificial intelligence, while critics may view it as a hindrance to military innovation.