Rules regarding artificial intelligence’s (AI) military use can be included in the drafted basic law on AI or added to the existing National Defense Act (國防法), since AI technology is progressing rapidly and being used in the military, the legislature’s Legislative Research Bureau said.
The Israeli military in May 2021 deployed AI-guided combat drone swarms to assault Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip, calling it the world’s first “AI war.”
The US Department of Defense last week said it is considering developing a vast network of AI-powered technology including drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China.
Photo: Reuters
The bureau said AI’s advanced algorithm is beyond human capabilities and can assist in reducing the number of military casualties.
Critics of AI’s military use say over-dependence on AI in the military realm might cause collateral damage to civilians, and that all countries should limit or ban autonomous weapon systems, as Belgium has already done with lethal autonomous weapons.
The bureau said authorities should make the drafting of the AI act more inclusive by consulting with national security and military agencies to strengthen risk management.
It said that related authorities should refer to the Government Procurement Act (政府採購法) and clearly define authorization specifications of AI use in the military in the drafted AI act.
As the legislation process of the drafted act might take longer to integrate opinions from different government agencies, the authorization of AI use in the military can also be added to the existing National Defense Act, along with a scope of application and other limitations to fasten the process, the bureau said.
AI use in the military such as autonomous weapon systems and the risks they carry should be managed through “hierarchical categories” — including “absolutely prohibited” (situations that can possibly cause mass casualties), “relatively prohibited” (situations that might cause partial casualties), and “permitted exceptions” (situations that might harm only uncrewed vehicles, equipment or facilities that would not cause harm to human lives).
Proper AI management in the military can save lives, it said.
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