Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) are systems that rely on computer algorithms and processes to identify and eliminate targets. These weapons are completely Artificial Intelligence—which brings out the question of the use of humans in this context. Humans might be the ones to program them according to a particular area, target or region.

The recent use of such weapons has not gone unnoticed. The international view has been analyzed by several bodies and referred to. While acknowledging the positive side, this would view both sides and proffer a solution.

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Overview of LAWs

When the weapons were first introduced, there were several questions the world asked. The implications of weapons that are just programmed to eliminate are likely to have major consequences. They have been named “KillerBots” due to their only objective.

If it is in frequent use, it has ethical, legal, security and moral implications. They are not humans, that is one of the reasons they are criticized. The possibility of the KillerBot to eliminate peaceful civilians is high. Where humans have compassion, it can not. In that aspect, it has breached the International Humanitarian Law. Several problems can be incurred when LAWs are used.

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Dire Consequences—A Machine without Morals?

There is also a related problem. Whenever the LAWs make a mistake and eliminate people, a machine can not be arrested for crimes against humanity. It is only humans that can be arrested.

Creating LAWs as a primary military arsenal could lead to several challenges. Unfortunately, there is no accountability for it if things go wrong. The likelihood of the LAWs causing havoc is high leaving thousands of possible deaths without justice.

Ironically, there are consequences for the creation of such materials. In another direction, LAWs are systems—computer systems—which means there is a possibility of them being hacked, reprogrammed, or manipulated. The possibility of it being hacked by a rival group is high.

When it is hacked, the reality of it malfunctioning and the likelihood of it causing trouble is becoming. If such happens, what is the assurance of the people's life who are currently there? And what are the implications of it? What does this mean for humanity? The uncertainty of the AI Lethal Weapons makes the human military better than machines.

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Advantages

While there are several disadvantages to using LAWs, there are numerous advantages to using them. In a battle setting, Machines can be fast and efficient compared to humans. They execute data-driven decisions.

They are ruthless in eliminating the target. The only checkmate in this situation is when a human might have compassion or mercy, AI machines do not have it in their programming.

In another light, when humans are likely to have fatigue, LAWs are unable to feel tired. They can work for an entire day or more depending on their capacity. When humans are tired, they are just getting started.

They are likely to outdo humans in this category. They are good for longer missions and intense conflict zones. Also, this use of AI machines can help to reduce the high death rates in the military. Whether we want to admit it or not, an AI-automated machine might be destroyed but no human will die. The use of machines in an uncertain war can reduce the risk of mass burial for the military. To an extent, LAWs can solve those problems. Even if it might require a few personnel, the gruesome possibility of a mass burial is canceled.

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Ending Thoughts: My Perspective

Honestly, with all the advantages and disadvantages of LAWs, it does not dispute the fact of them being a KillerBot. Their primary purpose is to kill. The high probability of innocent people being killed is getting more real at the moment.

If it is being used, there is a possibility of it taking over when the chance is opened. While they are effective and efficient, they should not be allowed in wars.