John,

Swarms of AI-powered drones that pick who to kill are already invading the skies over Ukraine. Unconscious, unaccountable... They're like flying landmines that kill and maim with impunity. 

The usual suspects oppose new international law on autonomous weapons systems (AWS), like they opposed banning landmines too. But UN talks in New York are underway right now, with momentum for a ban treaty building among states from all corners of the globe.

Let's support the tireless work that human rights campaigners and diplomats are doing on the ground, and counter the merchants of war. When we get to 100,000 signatures, we'll deliver the petition in New York.

Tell all government leaders: launch negotiations for a treaty to ban autonomous weapon systems.

AI warfare makes the world a far more dangerous place. For one, replacing soldiers with AI-powered drones makes it easier for governments to choose to go to war. It also encourages governments and corporations to keep mining our personal data, scanning all our photos, phone calls and social media… reducing us to objects, stereotypes, and data points for killer robots to some day “delete” at will.

Advocates say AWS can boost military precision and efficiency. But military spending is through the roof, so any efficiency gains (if you can believe them!) are just fueling more warfare, not peace and human security. Their “military precision” claims hold no water either – and if anything, AI only increases the risks posed by nuclear weapons, by compress decision-making timelines and increasing miscalculation risks.

Machines can’t make complex ethical choices, and can never be held to account. People must.

Tell all government leaders: launch negotiations for a treaty to ensure human control in the use of force and to prohibit machines that target people.

An amazing coalition of NGOs, academics and activists has been pushing for a binding treaty for years. The UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security began its 80th session on October 8, which will continue until November 7. The Committee will take action on resolutions towards the end of its session, so we have only days to influence them.

Let’s show them we want a binding treaty – not killer robots and endless wars.