Australia’s new military AI policy comes at a crucial time. The challenge is putting it into practice

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in the ongoing Middle East war. The United States, for example, has confirmed that it is using the technology to identify potential targets and speed up decision-making.

This is part of a growing trend. And in some cases it is leading to rising civilian death tolls.

With this in mind, the Australian Department of Defense has just published a new AI policy.

The policy aims to regulate the use of AI by the Australian military. So what does it entail? And how does it compare to other countries’ military AI policies?

Three main requirements

Australian policy sets out three overarching requirements for the Department of Defense’s use of AI.

First, the use of AI must be consistent with Australian law and international obligations.

Secondly, the use of AI must be based on individual responsibility and limited by taking into account the impact on humans. It must also be explainable, reliable and secure and…