“While the evidence suggests that fully autonomous weapon systems are yet to be deployed on the battlefield, the prospect of a future where the decision to take a human life is delegated to machines is heinous and incompatible with the New Zealand interests and values. “
This means that Aotearoa is “strongly placed” to work with other nations, the minister said. The outcome could include a convention or treaty emerging from existing multilateral talks underway at the United Nations in Geneva.
“This policy also makes it clear, however, that New Zealand will remain open to other opportunities to move forward, including creating and working with a coalition of states, experts and others.”
The minister said the country is proud to prioritize humanitarian concerns and has successfully advocated for legal rules on such issues in the past.
International bodies like the UN and the Red Cross are increasingly aware that the use of killer robots poses serious legal, ethical and security risks, Twyford said.
“Our policy shows that it is possible to face these risks while remaining consistent with our defense and security interests, in particular by maintaining interoperability with the main defense partners, and by ensuring that our sector technology remains capable of seizing the opportunities presented by the peaceful development of AI, ”he said. .
Autonomous weapons systems are discussed by the UN under its Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Cause Excessive Injury or to Strike Indiscriminately, the next series discussions are scheduled for December.
“The idea of a future where the decision to take a human life is delegated to machines is heinous and now we’re going to be working with friends and allies to make sure that never happens,” Twyford said.
