Human oversight and risk-based approach to artificial intelligence: What does the Artificial Intelligence Act have in common with discussions about lethal autonomous weapon systems?

The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) is a pressing global concern, with various regulatory bodies aiming to foster innovation while safeguarding humanity’s interests. This article synthesises perspectives on AI regulation in civilian and military domains, highlighting common ethical foundations and legal proposals. Emphasising the European Union’s ethical community as delineated by fundamental rights, it explores the Artificial Intelligence Act and debates on lethal autonomous weapon systems within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. By analysing the overlap between civilian and military ethics, the article argues for a shared objective: promoting innovation while upholding human dignity through robust regulations that ensure human oversight and a risk-based approach. The article contends that the consensus on substantive issues regarding military AI regulation is imminent, but its formalisation through legal means may lag behind.