Robots

UK government says humans will always be in charge of its robot weapon systems

In response to fears about the rise of autonomous weapon systems, the UK government has issued guidelines reaffirming its commitment to “human control of cutting-edge weaponry.”

The new doctrine published by the Ministry of Defence makes the argument that remote-controlled weapons like drones are safer for military personnel and civilians. It also says the UK “does not possess fully autonomous weapon systems and has no intention of developing them,” and that military weapons “will always be under control as an absolute guarantee of human oversight and authority and accountability.”

In a press statement, the Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, said, “It’s absolutely right that our weapons are operated by real people capable of making incredibly important decisions; and we are guaranteeing that vital oversight.”