US, African Nations Discuss Responsible AI Use in Military Applications

The United States is urging countries to collaborate on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications. A senior State Department official, Mallory Stewart, emphasized the need for countries to agree on AI guidelines that align with international laws. Concerns about the potential negative consequences of AI in military applications, such as prolonged conflicts and misinformation, have prompted these discussions. The U.S. is seeking input from other countries to minimize these risks and ensure AI is used ethically and effectively.

Risks of AI in Military Applications

The United States has been discussing the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications with 55 countries, including several from Africa, a senior State Department official said. During her recent two-day visit to Nigeria, Mallory Stewart, the assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, told journalists she is hopeful countries can agree on how to use AI in a manner consistent with international laws.

Stewart’s remarks come as several African countries and regional bodies have unveiled their AI plans. While discussions around AI use have been focused on how Africa can enhance productivity or solve its ongoing problems, many observers fear the technology’s use in the military context could lead to prolonged conflicts and more bloodshed.

To minimize this risk, the U.S. official said her country has been seeking input from other countries on the responsible use of AI in the military realm.

“We’ve learned the hard way [that there is] inherent human bias built into the AI system … leading to maybe misinformation being provided to the decisionmaker. [The objective] is to hear from as many countries as possible that are at the stage of working in artificial intelligence to their military to see how we can minimize the risks,” Stewart reportedly said.

More Sensitization, Policy Development Needed for AI

According to a VOA report, the U.S. wants countries to not only agree on what constitutes the responsible use of AI in the military context but also to acknowledge the inherent human bias.

Meanwhile, Kabiru Adamu, a security analyst with Beacon Consulting, is quoted in the report as explaining why Nigeria needs to engage with the U.S. when assessing the use of AI in the military context. Adamu said:

“We can’t isolate ourselves from the international committee of nations. AI is embedded in security, so we have to do it. But we need to be cognizant of the supporting infrastructure for good technology. Power is one of them, culture.”

However, another Nigerian expert, Senator Iroegbu, warned that while the West African country stands to benefit from engaging with the U.S., it still needs to “first and foremost define its policy and strategy regarding artificial intelligence.” He added that “more sensitization and policy development is needed.”

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