'Godfather of AI' Geoffrey Hinton says the war in Ukraine changed his view of military AI (www.businessinsider.com)

Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the "Godfather of AI," has recently shifted his perspective on the military applications of artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a recent NBC News interview, Hinton acknowledged that the pivotal role of AI-enabled drones in Ukraine's defense against Russian forces complicates previously held beliefs about banning lethal autonomous weapons. He stated, "Ukraine is surviving because of drones," highlighting the critical impact of this technology on modern warfare and the challenges of advocating against such innovations when they are proving effective in real-world scenarios. Despite admitting the benefits of AI in warfare, Hinton expressed deep-seated concerns about the potential for autonomous systems to operate without human oversight, which could lead to more rapid and indiscriminate killing. He emphasized the necessity for public engagement in the ongoing development of AI technologies, advocating for awareness of both their benefits and dangers. His comments come amid heightened interest from the U.S. government in leveraging AI for national security, with recent directives from the Trump administration promoting its usage, raising ethical concerns about military enhancement at the cost of civilian safety and control over autonomous weaponry.