Artificial Intelligence and Weapons of Mass Destruction: An International Conference on Chemical Warfare

The use of artificial intelligence for developing weapons of mass destruction has become a growing concern globally, with an upcoming international conference scheduled to take place in October in Morocco. Hosted by King Mohammed VI and funded by several countries including Qatar, China, Germany, Spain, and South Korea, the conference will focus on the development of chemical weapons with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

The threat of AI being used to develop such weapons has become increasingly concerning, as demonstrated by a study published in 2022 showing how quickly AI could invent potentially lethal molecules. While AI has positive applications, there is a growing awareness of the potential for misuse, prompting calls for deeper exploration of the issue. The history of chemical weapons goes back further than nuclear weapons, with incidents like the use of chlorine gas in World War I and more recent attacks such as Saddam Hussein’s use of chemical weapons against Kurds in the late 1980s.

Countries like the USA have been taking steps to address these risks, with President Joe Biden’s administration releasing a report on the safe and responsible use of AI in the federal government and critical infrastructure. The document highlights the need to mitigate AI’s potential for aiding in chemical and biological threats, emphasizing the importance of responsible use to ensure national security. Discussions around the challenge of balancing scientific research freedom with ethical considerations are ongoing, as stakeholders work to navigate the complex intersection of AI and weapons development.

The upcoming conference in Morocco represents a critical opportunity for international stakeholders to address these complex issues and work towards a shared understanding of how best to navigate the intersection of AI and weapons development. As nations grapple with