US Passes Laws Banning AI From Launching Nuclear Weapons

US lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to prevent artificial intelligence (AI) can launch nuclear weapons without human permission. The bill, called the Human Control of Nuclear Weapons Act, was introduced by Representatives Jim McGovern and Ted Lew, and by Senator Ed Markey.

Senate co-sponsors include Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

“As we live in an increasingly digital age, we must ensure that humans only have the ability to command, control and launch nuclear weapons, not robots,” Markey said. “That’s why I’m proud to represent the Autonomous AI Block Nuclear Launch Act. We must inform people about life-and-death decisions for the use of deadly force, especially with regard to our most dangerous weapons.”

According to the authors of the bill, AI can pose a threat to strategic stability and global security if it is allowed to make decisions on the use of nuclear weapons. They argue that AI may be vulnerable to error, manipulation, or unintentional escalation.

The bill proposes to ban the development, production, deployment or transfer of any nuclear weapons system that uses AI to initiate a nuclear attack. It also requires the President of the United States to report to Congress on any activity related to AI and nuclear weapons.

Lawmakers hope the bill will spark national and international debate about the role of AI in nuclear weapons control and the need for human control of these weapons. They argue that AI should not replace human judgment in matters of life and death.

“While we are all trying to cope with the pace at which AI is accelerating, the future of AI and its role in society remains unclear,” Rep. Lew said. “Our job as members of Congress is to responsibly foresee when it comes to protecting future generations from potentially devastating consequences. That’s why I’m excited to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Autonomous AI Interlocks of Nuclear Launches Act, which ensures that no matter what happens in the future, a human, not a robot, will control the use of nuclear weapons. AI will never be able to replace human judgment when it comes to launching nuclear weapons.”