Letter: Unlimited AI warfare is frightening to consider
To the editor: The use of artificial intelligence in the battlefield is now a reality.
I have spent my life working and teaching in the field of engineering. I love what technology has done for our world, but now I am frightened.
Artificial intelligence is a new technological breakthrough that we are all just wrapping our heads around. Yes, it can be used for good, but it’s the bad that we have to worry about. There have been calls for guardrails, but even a Geneva Convention-like edict will not stop any nation or any terrorist group on this planet from using artificial intelligence for warfare. Coupled with robots or drone technology, this is all very frightening. And if you aren't frightened, then you should take a closer look. AI is out there, everyone has it and you can’t unring a bell.
Right now, nine countries possess nuclear weapons. Up until now, being a nuclear nation has been what gives those countries the ultimate leverage against the rest. Call it a seat at the table. But I wonder if now being a nuclear nation no longer gives you a seat at the table as much as artificial intelligence does. Everybody has it, and everybody can use it for good or bad. Maybe, just maybe, this might be what brings peace to this world. It might sound strange, but instead of nuclear weapons, if anybody can use artificial intelligence for warfare or terrorism — that is, nation against nation or even neighbor against neighbor — AI is now the ultimate deterrent.
And now that everybody has a seat at the table, maybe it will finally make us all come to terms with our differences and learn to live together in peace. Let’s hope so, because the prospect of unlimited AI warfare is too frightening to consider.
Thomas P. Sullivan, Lenox
