Expert on how deadly threats from AI can be reduced

In order to avoid catastrophic threats from artificial intelligence, which is increasingly being used for planning and solving military tasks, humanity needs to take action right now – as stated by Vadim Gigin, a deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Director General of the National Library of Belarus, in his talk with Alfa Radio

The MP fully agrees with President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko that artificial intelligence, if it gets out of control, can destroy all of humanity, “It's good that we are thinking about this now and are working on measures to control artificial intelligence technologies.”

Mr. Gigin added that a number of multinational corporations are actively developing artificial intelligence programmes, “If a certain algorithm is used, then the robot, for example, will be able to act as a judge. This issue is already being really discussed in the United States.”

The expert is sure: AI will definitely continue to be used in the field of military technology. “Sooner or later, it will act as an operator of nuclear weapons and make decisions on whether to use them or not. Therefore, we should develop deterrent mechanisms and formalise them legally,” he noted.

Otherwise, as noted by Mr. Gigin, wars will be waged, “Robots and drones will mainly operate in the kill zone. The artillery will work, and only some assault groups of a couple of humans will conduct reconnaissance in combat, break into positions to place the flag and mark the advance. On the one hand, this will reduce human losses, on the other hand, it will bring additional challenges for us.”

The MP stressed that artificial intelligence can help simplify the outbreak of wars, “Potential initiators of hostilities may be tempted – using robots in order to suffer minimal losses. Actually, this approach is very deceptive. We must do everything so that new technologies do not lead to making the outbreak of war easier.”