Dilemmas arising from the use of autonomous lethal weapon systems in international humanitarian law

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has been a technology that in the last decade has been used in the military field, giving rise to the so-called autonomous lethal weapon systems (LAWS) which have generated concern from the international law point of view due to their development and use in war conflicts. Objectives: the purpose of the research was to argue that the LAWS are not capable of strictly respecting the principle of distinction, precaution and proportionality, which allowed them to identify the legal dilemmas that this type of weapons will bring about. method: the research developed was qualitative of a legal documentary type and framed within the dogmatic method. Results: the use of SALW presents several obstacles that make it possible to argue that these autonomous weapons cannot strictly comply with the principles of international humanitarian law. In view of this non-compliance, it is necessary to address the complexities that this technology will pose in the future from a legal point of view. Conclusions: there are several legal dilemmas to be considered as this technology develops, centered on the development of regulatory frameworks applicable to LAWS and the incorporation of significant human control in the decision-making processes required for these autonomous weapons, which will provide a legal solution to the questions posed by the progressive technological development, without undermining innovation. © 2024, Simon Bolivar University (Barranquilla). All rights reserved.