Fears Pentagon was 'building killer robots in the basement' sparked stricter AI rules, DoD official claims

Fears the Pentagon has been'building killer robots in the basement' may have led to stricter AI rules that mandated all systems must be approved before deployment. The Department of Defense (DoD) recently updated its AI rules among'a lot of confusion about' how it plans to use self-decision-making machines on the battlefield, according to the deputy assistant defense secretary. Michael Horowitz explained at an event this month that the'directive does not prohibit the development of any systems,' but will'make clear what is and isn't allowed' and uphold a'commitment to responsible behavior,' as it develops lethal autonomous systems. While the Pentagon believes the changes should ease the public's minds, some have said they are not'convinced' by the efforts. Fears the Pentagon has been'building killer robots in the basement' may have led to stricter AI rules that mandated all systems must be approved before deployment. News of the update to the Pentagon's 2012 'Autonomy in Weapon Systems,' has sparked a debate online with many people saying'If the Pentagon says they're not doing it, they're doing it.'