UN warns world is ‘dangerously close’ to letting machines autonomously target and kill humans

The United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross have urged countries to adopt restrictions on autonomous weapons systems, warning that "the risks have intensified." These weapons, often called killer robots, are being developed despite no confirmed use on the battlefield. U.N. Geneva spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci emphasized that "we are now dangerously close to crossing a moral red line: The autonomous targeting of humans by machines."

The organizations stress that while the concerns remain unchanged, the risks have grown due to rapid technological advancement. The development has strained the international rules system, widening the gap between technological capabilities and regulatory constraints. The call for action comes as negotiators prepare to meet in Geneva in November to strengthen the existing Convention on Conventional Weapons.

The U.N. and ICRC see this conference as the best opportunity to establish binding legal rules on autonomous weapons systems. The effort to control these lethal autonomous weapons systems has faced challenges, but scientists and engineers themselves have called for limits. The organizations urge states to act now, as "this year must mark a turning point."