Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of AI,” stated that Russia’s war in Ukraine has shifted his perspective on the use of artificial intelligence in military contexts. In an NBC News interview published on Tuesday, Hinton acknowledged that,
“I think it’s more complicated than I used to think.”
He has long cautioned against the military applications of AI and has advocated for an international ban on lethal autonomous weapons.
Hinton noted that the significant role of drones, particularly AI-enabled ones, in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces has made him reconsider the military use of AI technology. “Ukraine is surviving because of drones,” he said. He emphasized the difficulty in arguing that one country should refrain from using such technology when it is integral to modern warfare.
While Ukraine employs AI-powered drones, Hinton pointed out that its defense relies heavily on a steady production of munitions, predominantly operated by human pilots. Despite this recognition of AI’s utility in combat, he expressed concern over the technology’s implications, labeling the situation as “a mess.” Advances in AI capabilities have led to fears of future combat scenarios where autonomous systems would select their own targets.
Hinton underscored the necessity for public involvement in AI development to mitigate its potential dangers, stating, “The only thing that’s going to rein in those big AI companies is public pressure.” He aims to educate the public on both the risks and benefits associated with AI.
His assistant informed Business Insider that Hinton was unavailable for further comment. In recent years, employees at major tech firms like Google and Microsoft have voiced opposition to defense-related AI initiatives.
Last week, President Donald Trump signed a directive aimed at accelerating AI development for national security. The National Security Presidential Memorandum described AI as “one of the most transformative technologies to national security in the history of the United States.” The memo asserts that appropriate AI adoption can protect military personnel, facilitate precise operations, and maintain the U.S. technical advantage over adversaries.
The Trump administration has advocated for unrestricted AI use in national security contexts. The Pentagon notably classified the company Anthropic as a supply chain risk due to its request to keep its AI from being used in autonomous weapons systems. Additionally, the administration dismantled an office designed to minimize civilian casualties during military operations.
