The use of artificial intelligence in combat has been debated on several fronts this week, with OpenAI in the hot seat at the World Economic Forum in Davos and Kratos Defense expanding its anti-drone and air defense technologies.
At an international meeting of public and private sector leaders, OpenAI clarified its position on military use of its avatars after the company quietly reversed course last week. These terms previously prohibited the use of ChatGPT for military purposes.
“Many of these policies were written before we knew what these people were going to use our tools for,” OpenAI's vice president of international affairs, Anna Makanju, told Bloomberg. “So this military use case requires not only adjusting policies, but making them more clear across the board, so people understand what's possible and what's not.”
On Friday, The Intercept reported that OpenAI had revoked its use of ChatGipt for “military and war” purposes without warning. OpenAI's original terms of service prohibited the use of ChatGPT for “tasks with a high risk of physical harm.”
Makanju said the OpenAI policy change was based on the understanding that banning ChatGipt for military use would prevent the popular AI from being used for good causes, such as providing assistance to veterans and strengthening cybersecurity.
We still prevent weapons development, destruction of property, and harm to individuals, but we've been working with the Department of Defense, for example, on cybersecurity tools to open source applications that protect critical infrastructure. She said checking if a veteran would help with suicide.
When asked if the US government has asked OpenAI to limit its level of cooperation with other countries' militaries, Makanju said no.
“For now, our discussion is focused on the national security agencies of the United States,” Makanju said. “We have always believed that democracy should be at the forefront of this technology.”
While OpenAI's public stance is to “do no harm” with the rise of generative AI, military defense contractors have sought ways to use artificial intelligence on and off the battlefield.
On Tuesday, Kratos Defense, the developer of the AI-powered XQ-58A Valkyrie fighter jet, announced that the company has received a $50 million award. The company said the funds will go towards products and hardware, including Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), air defense and radar systems.
“Kratos' technology, products, software and systems are supporting America's warfighter and ours.
Eric DeMarco, president and CEO of Kratos Defense, said in a statement today that partner defense and security-related needs and requirements, including those in contested and high-conflict environments,
Kratos Defense declined Decrypt's request for further comment.
In June, Kratos tapped artificial intelligence developer Shield AI to integrate the Defense A Aviator into Valkriee. Later that summer, the Valkyrie flew in formation with other US Air Force aircraft and completed its final flight.
“We believe Kratos' ability to rapidly develop, manufacture and deliver relevant, affordable solutions at scale and volume is a competitive differentiator for our company, our customers, partners and partners, and an essential component of today's global security and defense. environment,” DeMarco said.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.
