Big US tech companies have helped Israel use artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing in war. This has made it easier for Israel to track and attack suspected militants in Gaza and Lebanon. However, many civilians have also died, raising concerns about the role of AI in warfare.
Israel has used AI to analyze intelligence, listen to communications, and track enemy movements. After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military started using Microsoft and OpenAI technology much more. An investigation by the Associated Press found that AI systems help choose targets, but mistakes can happen if the data or algorithms are wrong.
Since the war began, over 50,000 people have died in Gaza and Lebanon, and 70% of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged. Experts warn that using commercial AI in warfare could lead to unethical and unlawful actions.
Among US companies, Microsoft has worked closely with the Israeli military for years. After the Hamas attack, Israel increased its use of Microsoft’s cloud services, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services. By March 2024, Israel’s use of Microsoft and OpenAI AI tools was nearly 200 times higher than before the attack.
Microsoft did not comment on its AI services for Israel’s military. However, its official reports say the company is committed to human rights and responsible AI. OpenAI also stated that its products should not be used for weapons, but in 2023, it changed its policies to allow military use in some cases.
The Israeli military says AI helps make targeting more accurate and reduce civilian deaths. However, critics worry that AI’s role in war is expanding without enough oversight.
Source: apnews
