Killer robots are no longer the stuff of science fiction. From artificially intelligent drones that shoot tear gas at protesters to guns that choose their own targets, “autonomous weapons systems” will soon become fact.
Right now, there are meetings happening at the UN to decide whether to create an international treaty on autonomous weapons systems.
We need a robust, legally binding international treaty to stop killer robots – before it’s too late. China is creating small drone “swarms” which could be programmed to attack anything that emits a body temperature, while Russia has built a robot tank which can be fitted with a machine gun or grenade launcher.
Australia is also continuing to invest in the development of such weapons, and has opposed the creation of a treaty.
We need to pressure the Australian government to support the creation of a legally-binding treaty. Without such a treaty we face a future where weapons can choose and attack their targets without human control.
Join Amnesty International Australia and Stop Killer Robots for a briefing on the latest developments in the campaign to ban autonomous weapons systems.
