WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Department of Defense to create a risk assessment for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled weapon and targeting systems. This proactive measure will ensure the United States is positioned as a leader globally in the ethical and responsible use of AI. 

“We know that AI-enabled weapons are exacerbating harm to civilians in warzones, and without effective oversight these systems could dangerously reshape our future. The United States has an obligation as a leader in AI innovation to also lead in AI ethics. We must be ready to answer questions about accuracy, security, privacy, and harm when we use AI-enabled weapons– and we need to better data to do that.” said Sen. Welch.  

Senator Welch’s amendment would require the Department of Defense to catalogue and conduct corresponding risk assessments for AI-enabled weapons, targeting, and decision support systems. These assessments must be reported to Congress, and include the accuracy, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and potential for civilian harm, among other criteria. The risk assessments must also include what data has been exported or shared with foreign governments. 

Read and download the text of the amendment here.  

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