Challenges and Opportunities in Regulating Autonomous Weapons Systems: Insights from the 2024 Vienna Conference

The 2024 Vienna Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Call for Global Regulation

Last month, over 1,000 participants from 140 countries gathered at the 2024 Vienna Conference, titled ‘Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation’. Hosted by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the conference shed light on the pressing need for international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in military technologies.

The use of AI in military equipment and operations is on the rise, with reports of drones equipped with AI targeting systems in Ukraine and the development of AI systems like ‘Lavendar’ and ‘Gospel’ by the Israeli Defence Force. The lack of regulations to control the development and use of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) poses a significant threat, as we witness the rapid advancement of technology in conflicts worldwide.

A key highlight of the conference was the opening speech by Alexander Schallenberg, Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, who likened the risks of AI in the military domain to “this generation’s Oppenheimer moment”. This analogy draws attention to the potential dangers of AI in warfare, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation to protect civilians and prevent catastrophic consequences.

The UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems last year, signaling a global consensus on the need to address the challenges posed by AWS. However, the road to regulation is fraught with challenges, as states grapple with defining AWS, determining the form of regulation, and selecting the appropriate forum for discussions.

While some progress has been made at regional conferences, the need for a global regulatory framework remains paramount. The UN Secretary General has set a deadline of 2026 for regulating fully autonomous weapons, urging states to come together and agree on binding rules to govern the use of AI in warfare.

As the international community navigates the complexities of regulating military AI and AWS, the voices of non-Western states and civil society must be heard. Civil society organizations have played a crucial role in driving discussions on the risks posed by AI in conflicts, advocating for inclusive and participatory dialogues to shape future regulations.

The 2024 Vienna Conference served as a stark reminder of the transformative power of AI in military operations and the urgent need for global regulations to safeguard humanity. With the deadline for regulation fast approaching, the time to act is now to prevent the catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled AI in warfare.