For AI engineers, ethics is a minefield of issues to consider. We frequently hurry to take advantage of the value of new emergent technology and incorporate its potential in existing systems and processes.

Editor's Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Letters to the Editor reflect the view of a member of the campus community and are submitted to the publication for approval. I am writing this essay to bring awareness and recognition to a fast-approaching topic in the field of military technology -- weaponized artificial intelligence. Weaponized AI is any military technology that operates off a computer system that makes its own decisions. Simply put, anything that automatically decides a course of action against an enemy without human control would fall under this definition. Weaponized AI is a perfect example of a sci-fi idea that has found its way into the real world and is not yet completely understood.

Google's plan to monitor home activities "crosses a moral boundary" that "needlessly encourages a conflict between science and ethics," says Australia's chief science adviser Alan Finkel. Earlier this month Google obtained a patent on the use of an array of sensors and cameras to monitor home life, and claims the technology has the capability to see the title of the book you're reading in bed. The system could also electronically lock doors and turn off running taps. Speaking at an artificial intelligence (AI) summit at Monash University, Melbourne on Thursday, Finkel likened this to a complete stranger offering you unlimited furniture and non-stick frying pans, in exchange for sitting in your bedroom for the next fortnight to observe your behaviour. "We are repulsed by this prospect not because of its unfamiliarity, but because we innately feel that it violates fundamental principles we rightfully hold dear," Finkel said.

Alan Finkel, speaking at an artificial intelligence summit at Monash University in Melbourne on Thursday, said there was a "golden opportunity" for Australia to be a world leader in scientific discovery while also holding to the ideals of a virtuous society. He said there was enormous potential for artificial intelligence to deliver substantial benefits to Australians in areas as varied as manufacturing and financial services. Chief Scientist Alan Finkel says the advent of artificial intelligence will need both technological as well as ethical considerations. But Dr Finkel pointed to how Google this month obtained a patent to use sensors and cameras to monitor home activity. It claims to be able to work out the title of a book someone is reading in their bed.

The nation's chief scientist has urged software developers on the cusp of artificial intelligence breakthroughs not to lose their "moral compass" amid fears humans will be treated as data points by our largest companies. Alan Finkel, speaking at an artificial intelligence summit at Monash University in Melbourne on Thursday, said there was a "golden opportunity" for Australia to be a world leader in scientific discovery while also holding to the ideals of a virtuous society. He said there was enormous potential for artificial intelligence to deliver substantial benefits to Australians in areas as varied as manufacturing and financial services. Chief Scientist Alan Finkel says the advent of artificial intelligence will need both technological as well as ethical considerations.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But Dr Finkel pointed to how Google this month obtained a patent to use sensors and cameras to monitor home activity. It claims to be able to work out the title of a book someone is reading in their bed.