The Australian government has raised alarms about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications, particularly concerning nuclear weapons. During a recent address to the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that if nations fail to regulate AI effectively, humanity could face catastrophic consequences akin to a “bad Hollywood movie.”
In a report delivered to the UN, the Global Commission on the Responsible Use of AI in the Military called for legally binding agreements to ensure that decisions regarding nuclear weapons remain under human control. Wong supported the commission’s recommendations, asserting that while AI presents remarkable opportunities, it also poses significant risks if left unchecked. “AI’s potential use in nuclear weapons and unmanned systems challenges the future of humanity,” she stated.
Professor Toby Walsh, a member of the commission and an AI expert at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), echoed Wong’s concerns. He expressed relief that the Foreign Minister had highlighted their work and endorsed the crucial recommendation to avoid delegating decisions on nuclear weapons to algorithms. Walsh remarked, “We have to be realistic and accept the fact that there are significant operational advantages to using AI in a military context… but AI is very much a double-edged sword.”
The professor warned of the implications of AI on warfare, noting that it could alter the speed, accuracy, and lethality of conflicts. He cautioned that in a scenario where AI systems dominate, “as soon as the fighting starts, all the humans will be killed because they won’t have the speed of response, they won’t have the accuracy the machines have.” Walsh expressed a strong desire to prevent AI outcomes that resemble apocalyptic scenarios often depicted in science fiction films. He stated, “What worries me is that we’ll have to see that bad Hollywood movie before we take appropriate action.”
In her address, Wong highlighted the importance of human judgment in nuclear warfare, which has historically been constrained by the accountability of leaders. “AI has no such concern, nor can it be held accountable,” she said. She underscored that the introduction of AI could fundamentally change the nature of war, with the potential for escalation occurring without warning. “Decisions of life and death must never be delegated to machines,” she asserted, urging the international community to establish rules and norms governing AI’s use in military contexts.
Wong also called for stricter standards to ensure that AI applications are safe and ethical. She noted a troubling trend in which discerning fact from propaganda has become increasingly difficult, leading to a “collapse of truth altogether.” The Foreign Minister urged the UN to protect its mission and the functionality of the Security Council from the threats posed by AI.
This speech aligns with Australia’s aspirations to secure a seat on the UN Security Council starting in 2029. The country aims for a two-year term among the ten rotating members, alongside permanent members including the United Kingdom, United States, France, China, and Russia. Australia last held a seat on the Security Council during the term from 2013 to 2014.
As discussions surrounding AI in military contexts evolve, the Australian government’s stance underscores the urgent need for international cooperation in establishing frameworks that prioritize human oversight and ethical considerations.
