Is Nuclear War a Possibility with the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence?

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the increasing threat of nuclear war due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence technology. In a video recorded at the annual meeting of the US Arms Control Association, Guterres emphasized that humanity is on a “knife edge” as the dangers to its existence converge.

Guterres called on nuclear-weapon states to take their non-proliferation obligations seriously and urged them to make a shared commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. With the New Start agreement between the USA and Russia set to expire soon, Guterres highlighted the weakening of the regime designed to prevent the use, testing, and proliferation of nuclear weapons.

The Secretary-General expressed concerns about the potential use of artificial intelligence to facilitate launch procedures for intercontinental ballistic missiles kept on alert by the United States and Russia. He emphasized the need for human control over nuclear launches, stating that the decision on nuclear use should be made by people, not machines or algorithms.

Despite a significant decrease in the number of nuclear weapons since the Cold War, Guterres warned that the risk of using nuclear weapons has reached levels not seen since that era. He called on all countries to agree on the importance of human control over nuclear weapons, citing the joint statement issued by the United States, Britain, and France two years ago.

As tensions rise and technological advancements continue, the world faces a critical juncture where the decisions made by leaders will determine the future of humanity. Guterres’ warning serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation and responsible decision-making to prevent the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war.