What’s happening:
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has requested details about the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) use of an artificial intelligence system named “HABSORAH” for military targeting, hinting at possible legal action for any illegal practices.
Why it matters:
The use of AI in military operations, particularly for identifying attack targets, raises profound ethical and legal questions. ACRI’s demand for transparency reflects concerns about the potential for AI systems to make life-and-death decisions without adequate human oversight, possibly breaching international humanitarian laws and human rights.
The big picture:
“HABSORAH” is designed to process vast amounts of intelligence data to provide actionable recommendations for targeted attacks. While the system is said to speed up the decision-making process, ACRI warns that the lack of transparency in AI technology could create a black box scenario, leading to decisions made without a clear understanding of the AI’s rationale or the reliability of its conclusions.
The concerns:
ACRI argues that relying solely on AI for attack decisions could violate the principles of distinction, proportionality, and caution as mandated by the laws of war. The human rights group also points out the EU’s move towards regulating AI systems, especially those impacting human rights, emphasizing the need for transparency and regulation.
Human rights in focus:
The request by ACRI includes an urgent review of the “HABSORAH” system and AI use in military targeting decisions. The organization aims to ensure that operational reliance on AI aligns with Israel’s military obligations and minimizes the risk of civilian casualties.
No official response yet:
The IDF has not provided a formal response to the request, which is not uncommon with FOIA requests involving sensitive information. However, ACRI is prepared to take further legal action if their concerns are not adequately addressed.
What’s next:
The outcome of ACRI’s request could have significant implications for how AI is integrated into military operations and the adherence to international laws and standards of human rights.
This story was first published on jpost.com.