Originally published May 1, 2023 6:00 am PDT
In a recent development in Washington, DC, Representatives Ken Buck (CO-04), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act, according to a press release.
This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to protect the nuclear command and control process from being influenced by any potential change in policy that would permit artificial intelligence (AI) to make nuclear launch decisions.
The Department of Defense’s 2022 Nuclear Posture Review emphasizes the current policy of keeping a human “in the loop” for every critical action related to informing and executing the President’s decisions regarding the initiation and termination of nuclear weapon employment.
The newly introduced act seeks to solidify the Department’s existing policy by prohibiting federal funds from being used to launch any nuclear weapon through an automated system that lacks meaningful human control.
Representative Buck stated, “While U.S. military use of AI can be appropriate for enhancing national security purposes, use of AI for deploying nuclear weapons without a human chain of command and control is reckless, dangerous, and should be prohibited.”
He expressed pride in co-sponsoring the legislation to guarantee that human beings, not machines, have the final say over the most critical and sensitive military decisions.
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, created by Congress through the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act, also recommended in its final report that the U.S. should clearly and publicly affirm its policy that only human beings can authorize the employment of nuclear weapons.
The Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous AI Act follows through on this recommendation.
“AI technology is developing at an extremely rapid pace,” noted Representative Lieu.
He added, “While we all try to grapple with the pace at which AI is accelerating, the future of AI and its role in society remains unclear. It is our job as Members of Congress to have responsible foresight when it comes to protecting future generations from potentially devastating consequences.”
He expressed his pleasure in introducing the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous AI Act, which ensures that a human being maintains control over the employment of a nuclear weapon, rather than a robot.
Representative Lieu emphasized that AI can never replace human judgment when it comes to launching nuclear weapons and expressed gratitude to Representatives Beyer and Buck and Senator Markey for their work on this crucial, forward-thinking legislation.
Senator Markey also weighed in on the matter, saying, “As we live in an increasingly digital age, we need to ensure that humans hold the power alone to command, control, and launch nuclear weapons – not robots.”
He expressed pride in introducing the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act, emphasizing the need to keep humans in the loop when making life or death decisions involving the use of deadly force, especially for the most dangerous weapons.
