The implicated scientist: on the role of AI researchers in the development of weapons systems

TL;DR

This paper examines the role of AI researchers in the development of weapon systems, highlighting ethical implications and proposing ways to foster solidarity with victims of AI-enabled violence.

Contribution

It critically analyzes the involvement of AI researchers in weapon development and suggests pathways for ethical responsibility and solidarity.

Findings

AI weapons have been involved in mass killings and destruction.

There is a global AI arms race increasing proliferation risks.

Researchers can adopt ethical stances to support victims of AI-enabled violence.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in modern weapons systems. Notably, these systems have recently been involved in mass killings and destruction at scale. Furthermore, there is currently a strong interest and competition among powerful players to accelerate the proliferation of weapons with automated or AI-based components, a phenomenon known as AI arms race. This competition poses a risk of causing even more deaths and devastation in the future, as well as increased power and wealth inequality. In this work, we aim to shed light on the role of AI researchers as implicated subjects in the harms caused by weapons enabled by AI technologies. We investigate and discuss the specifics of this implication and explore ways to transfigure this position of implication into one of differentiated, long-distance solidarity with the victims of technologically fortified injustices.