The Weaponization of Increasingly Autonomous Technologies: Autonomous Weapon Systems and Cyber Operations (original) (raw)

Particular thanks are extended to Patrick Lin for his substantive input, meeting moderation, and synthesis. UNIDIR would also like to acknowledge the contributions of those experts and interviewees who have requested to remain unnamed. This report was drafted by Kerstin Vignard. About the Project "The Weaponization of Increasingly Autonomous Technologies" Given that governments have a responsibility to create or affirm sound policies about which uses of autonomy in weapon systems are legitimate-and that advances in relevant technologies are also creating pressure to do so-UNIDIR's work in this area is focused on what is important for States to consider when establishing policy relating to the weaponization of increasingly autonomous technologies. See http://bit.ly/UNIDIR\_Autonomy for Observation Papers, audio files from public events, and other materials. This is the seventh in a series of UNIDIR papers on the weaponization of increasingly autonomous technologies. UNIDIR has purposefully chosen to use the word "technologies" in order to encompass the broadest relevant categorization. In this paper, this categorization includes machines (inclusive of robots and weapons) and systems of machines (such as weapon systems), as well as the knowledge practices for designing, organizing and operating them. About UNIDIR The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research-an autonomous institute within the United Nations-conducts research on disarmament and security. UNIDIR is based in Geneva, Switzerland, the centre for bilateral and multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation negotiations, and home of the Conference on Disarmament. The Institute explores current issues pertaining to the variety of existing and future armaments, as well as global diplomacy and local tensions and conflicts. Working with researchers, diplomats, government officials, NGOs and other institutions since 1980, UNIDIR acts as a bridge between the research community and governments. UNIDIR's activities are funded by contributions from governments and foundations. Note The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of UNIDIR. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the United Nations or UNIDIR's sponsors.