Artificial intelligence could unleash nuclear weapons on us, researchers warn
As the world fears warfare, a new expert report warns of an emerging threat: artificial intelligence.
A Swedish research institute has released a startling report, drawing attention to the fact that not only are the threats from nuclear powers growing stronger, but the role of AI could also lead to a global catastrophe, according to LADbible.
Nuclear arsenals on the rise
A new analysis from the Stockholm-based international peace research institute SIPRI reveals that the number of nuclear weapons in the world is not decreasing: in fact, major powers like the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, and North Korea are actively modernising and expanding their arsenals.
“We see the warning signs of a new nuclear arms race at a particularly dangerous and unstable moment for geopolitics,” said Dan Smith, the institute’s director. The figures are staggering: the world currently holds 12,241 nuclear warheads, the vast majority of which are still controlled by the United States and Russia.
Since the end of the Cold War, nuclear stockpiles have been on a consistent decline for decades, but that trend has now come to a halt. “The era of reductions in the number of nuclear weapons in the world, which had lasted since the end of the Cold War, is coming to an end,” said Hans M. Kristensen, a researcher specialising in weapons of mass destruction at SIPRI.
Artificial intelligence could increase the danger
What makes the situation even more hazardous? The involvement of artificial intelligence in nuclear decision-making. According to the report, in the event of a suspected nuclear attack, heads of state and military leaders have only minutes to decide on a retaliatory strike. While AI could help cut response times, it also poses immense risks.
An algorithmic error, misinterpretation, or even a system glitch could easily trigger an irreversible chain of events. “One component of the coming arms race will be the attempt to gain and maintain a competitive edge in artificial intelligence (AI), both for offensive and defensive purposes,” Smith’s report states.
We can’t let AI make the call
While artificial intelligence may offer some advantages in security systems, it also significantly raises the nuclear stakes, Smith argues. “If the decision to launch nuclear weapons is ever fully handed over to AI, we’d be approaching true doomsday scenarios,” he warned.
But the situation could get even worse: what if AI itself misunderstands an order and determines it’s time to launch nuclear war?
Featured image: Pixabay
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