SA calls for global treaty to regulate military AI and autonomous weapons
Ongoing conflicts show the need for governance and accountability to keep pace with technological developments.
As conflicts escalate, South Africa is advocating for a global treaty to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations. At the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, the South African delegation called for a legally binding international agreement to regulate the deployment of AI in warfare. Safeguards The delegation emphasized the necessity of safeguards to ensure AI systems remain under meaningful human control, during talks at the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, currently in Arusha, Tanzania.
MP Doris Mpapane called for a legally binding framework to oversee military AI, warning that without such measures, the technology could threaten civilians and global peace. Participation Mpapane participated in a panel discussion on parliaments' role in maintaining peace in the age of military AI. She highlighted the importance of parliamentarians understanding the legal, ethical, and policy implications of AI, emphasizing the need to shape norms, safeguards, and governance frameworks guiding military AI use.
Oversight The parliamentarian stressed that parliaments can ensure transparency and accountability by scrutinizing the procurement, development, and deployment of AI-enabled military systems, thus upholding international law. Multilateral approach Mpapane stressed the importance of a multilateral and inclusive approach to creating international rules for AI's military applications, noting that all nations, regardless of their technological capabilities, have a stake in shaping these rules for international peace and security.
Maritime security The South African delegation also participated in discussions on enhancing maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure during conflicts. MP Mpapane stressed the importance of secure shipping lanes, undersea cables, ports, and energy infrastructure to economic stability. She cited recent events in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how increased reliance on military force to resolve disputes could exacerbate instability.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
