Congress: Don’t give AI the nuclear codes

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have been nothing short of phenomenal, Nancy. But there is a dark side to AI that we cannot ignore.

Take Microsoft’s recently released upgrade to their Bing search engine, which allows users to chat with an advanced AI system. In a New York Times “interview,” the system told a reporter that it harbors secret fantasies that include spreading disinformation, engineering a deadly virus, and… stealing nuclear access codes. 

It sounds like a bad science fiction movie, but the terrifying reality is very simple: AI could make a mistake that could mean the end of the world. 

Right now, the Pentagon is already using autonomous weapons — and removing crucial human oversight from the process. The problem? When it comes to weapons, we can’t afford AI glitches setting off a disaster. Without regulation now, the future effect of a malfunctioning AI could be much worse than an embarrassing news story.

Technological advancements are like catnip to weapons dealers, and that’s why we need to act now before it’s too late. Too many times, when stories like a chatbot’s chilling behavior leave the headlines, Congress moves on — but that’s where we come in. Sign now to urge your member of Congress to get into gear to pull back on AI use now, so that talks over regulations don't start after it’s already too late.

The potential for catastrophe if AI is integrated into our destructive weapons systems is simply too high to ignore. We cannot gamble with lives or the future of our planet. Tell Congress: Ban the use of AI in weapons systems now and forever.

The integration of AI technology into weapons systems, including nuclear weapons, is unacceptable for one basic reason: AI will never be fool-proof. It can make mistakes and make decisions that are both morally and ethically questionable — and without any human oversight or intervention, those mistakes could mean global disaster. 

Industry leaders, like former Google CEO and executive chairman Eric Schmidt, are already calling on the Pentagon to behave more like a tech company, which means rapidly adopting new advancements and embracing frequent failure as part of the price of innovation. 

The United States must show leadership on this issue, and Congress can do its part by prohibiting AI use in weapons technology.  As countries around the world — including the United States — invest in AI technology to keep up with their adversaries, this is the moment to pull back the reins. Continuing down this path without constraints can only lead to a dangerous escalation in the development and deployment of AI controlled weapons, including nukes. 

At Win Without War, we believe in people power. That’s why we’re launching this action with partners from across the movement. It’ll drive incredible impact — that means faster results and, hopefully, even bigger victories. We CAN build enough momentum and pressure to push Congress towards establishing clear rules against AI-controlled weapons — but only if we get loud together. 

The use of AI in weapons is a dangerous development that should be avoided at all costs. Send a message to Congress that we will not tolerate AI in control of weapons systems — ever.

Thank you for working for peace,

Stephen and the Win Without War team