Autonomy in weapons systems, and AI in security and defence
- International: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Evolution of Military Strategy in International Relations: While AI offers substantial advancements in military capabilities, its integration raises critical ethical, legal, and strategic challenges that require careful consideration in the shere of global security.
- Singapore: Military AI Governance: Moving Beyond Autonomous Weapon Systems The commentary by Mei Ching Liu argues that discussions on military AI governance overly focus on autonomous weapon systems (AWS) while neglecting AI-based decision support systems (ADSS), which are increasingly used in military operations. Unlike AWS, ADSS assists human decision-makers without replacing them, posing challenges for compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL). The author advocates for broader inclusion of ADSS in AI governance discussions and suggests Singapore can lead efforts to address these complexities on international platforms.
Facial recognition, biometric identification, surveillance
- Germany: German lawmakers call for bans on biometric surveillance: Biometric Update reports that ‘the German Federal Parliament is currently discussing a draft law aiming to amend the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), presenting a window of opportunity to regulate biometric surveillance in public spaces.’ This ban is being advocated by lawmakers in light of the recent use of facial recognition systems such as Personal Identification System (PerIS) and the Joint Electronic Information System (INPOL) database by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
- Russia: Researchers spotlight Russia’s opaque facial recognition surveillance system: This piece in Biometric Update covers a report on the absence of regulation on the use of facial recognition in Russia and the issues it raises regarding ‘its admissibility as court evidence, and the overall opacity of relevant procedures contribute to the abuse of police access to the database and to the existence of black data market.’
- Brazil: Brazil’s data privacy regulator looks at biometrics and facial recognition in new report: Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority has released the second volume of its Technological Radar series, and it focuses on biometrics and facial recognition. The report notes ‘importance of taking into account that biometric information is sensitive personal data, and the depth of harm that can come to people if they are wrongly identified by facial recognition. It also notes concerns about the potential for discrimination and bias in facial biometrics systems.’
- Mozambique: Report blames biometrics for Mozambique poll irregularities; Laxton hits back: Biometric Update covers a report originally published by Bloomberg and Lighthouse reports, which uncovers that ‘irregularities persist in elections in Africa despite the governments presenting election technology such as biometrics registration and verification systems as some sort of a panacea for fraud.’
AI, algorithms and autonomy in the wider world
- How African Countries Govern National Artificial Intelligence Solutions: In Africa, AI is being increasingly utilized for various purposes, such as targeting social funds in Togo and countering election misinformation in Zambia. However, concerns exist regarding AI’s misuse in lethal autonomous weapons in Libya and national facial recognition systems in Zimbabwe, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. African countries generally lack comprehensive AI governance frameworks, with only Mauritius having partial AI legislation. The region scores low on AI readiness, and while some countries have data protection laws and national AI strategies, transparency and public participation in shaping AI policies remain significant challenges
Other Items:
- Seminar: Fellows Seminar Series | Ethical and Regulatory Considerations in the Collection and Use of Biometric Data: This event by Observer Research Foundation will discuss ‘ethical considerations of privacy in the collection and use of biometric data, and explores the associated regulatory requirements.’ The event is online and is scheduled for 08 July 2024. It requires prior registration, which can be done on the title link.
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