Seoul Hosts International AI Military Summit to Formulate Guidelines for Responsible Use

South Korea has launched an international summit in Seoul to address the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military. The two-day summit, which began on Monday, has attracted representatives from over 90 countries, including major players like the United States and China. This is the second such summit, following an initial gathering in Amsterdam last year.

At the opening of the summit, South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted the dual nature of AI in military applications. He cited the use of AI-enabled drones by Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which demonstrated both the potential advantages and risks of AI in warfare. Kim emphasized the need for careful regulation to prevent misuse and ensure AI technologies enhance operational capabilities without posing additional threats.

The summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, aims to develop a comprehensive blueprint for AI use in military contexts. Discussions will focus on creating a legal framework that aligns with international law and preventing autonomous weapons from making critical decisions without human oversight.

Despite the ambitious goals, it remains uncertain how many of the attending nations will endorse the proposed guidelines. The summit seeks to balance the need for technological innovation with the imperative to ensure ethical and controlled use of AI in defense.