The interface of Ethical and Legal Principles on (Military) AI: Towards Mutually Strengthening Frameworks

Berenice Boutin - Asser Institute

The session explores the increasing adoption of AI ethics standards or principles, and their relationship with legal frameworks, using military applications of AI as a case study. In recent years, companies, civil society, and governmental agencies have been developing sets of ethical principles, standards, or codes of conduct, to guide their development and use of AI. While the adoption of such non-binding ethical frameworks can advance the responsible use and development of AI, it may also obfuscate the many legal obligations that already exist and apply to AI. The focus on ethical standards can thereby indirectly undermine the existing legal frameworks. This session will dive into the interface and relationship between the disciplines of ethics and law, and reflect in particular on how ethical principles and international norms can be mutually supportive in the context of military AI.