Asser InstituteWorkshop: Critical Reflections on AI Ethics Principles and Societal Inputs for the Governance of Military AI

In recent years, ‘AI ethics principles’ have emerged as an instrument for the governance of military applications of artificial intelligence (AI). These documents can be developed by groups of experts and policy makers, or through experimentation or consultation with the general public or relevant stakeholders. Each initiative proposes a list of ‘principles’, values, guidelines or descriptions of best practices that can be action guiding and promote responsible design, development and use of military AI. While these initiatives provide frameworks against which decisions and practices of individuals, institutions and states can be assessed, their normative role is unclear, and they remain legally non-binding.  

What is the place and utility of AI ethics principles in juxtaposition to existing legal and other normative frameworks? What roles can or should the general public or relevant stakeholders play in the creation of these lists of principles? What are the social and cultural implications of creating ‘lists’ to promote responsible behaviour? And what conceptual and practical issues should be considered in the development of AI principles?