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Source-This post on Threats posed by Artificial intelligence has been created based on the article “AI, sovereignty and Isaac Asimov’s warning” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges.
News-The article discusses the threats posed by artificial intelligence to nations territorial sovereignty and highlights the need for a robust global AI governance body.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
AI refers to the ability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision making.
It includes technologies like machine learning, Deep Learning, Big Data, Neural Networks, Computer vision, Large Language Models etc.
A detailed article on the Significance and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be read here.
What are the threats posed by Artificial Intelligence?
1) Reshaping traditional notions of sovereignty:
a) It is challenging the power dynamics between states, private technology companies, and individuals. As AI systems become more autonomous, they are creating new digital spaces that are not governed by traditional laws or state control.
b) It has started a new era of digital sovereignty which is altering the concept of territorial sovereignty. Here, countries that lack in development of AI will become more dependent on advanced nations by compromising their sovereignty in strategic sectors.
2) Undermining Democracy:
a) It can be used to manipulate information and influence public opinion. For example, AI can generate disinformation and misinformation at scale, which can trigger tensions and electoral-related conflict and violence.
b) It can be abused by hostile foreign powers to promote campaigns that can deepen divisions within societies, distort objective information and weaken democratic systems.
3) Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS):
a) Technical challenge- It is equipped with advanced AI algorithms which can independently identify and engage targets without human intervention.
It can enhance military conflicts because it may lead to indiscriminate or erroneous targeting of civilians without human intervention.
b) Ethical challenge– It undermines fundamental principles of humanitarian law and responsibility. The absence of human oversight in the decision-making process of life and death raises moral questions about accountability.
c) Arms race– The proliferation of LAWS could lead to an arms race. This can destabilize international peace and security.
4) Threat to cybersecurity:
AI-enhanced methods, such as advanced persistent threats and spear phishing, can penetrate and disrupt critical national infrastructures. This can weaken nations cybersecurity.
Considering these challenges, there is a need for a robust global AI governance body which must ensure that advancement in AI can be used for serving humanity.
Question for practice:
What are the various kinds of threats posed by Artificial Intelligence to nations sovereignty?
