WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested information from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the international deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in conflict settings, such as Gaza. The Senators urged the Department to proactively and publicly engage in setting international norms about the ethical deployment of AI technology. 

The Senators also commended the Department’s support of initiatives that address the use of AI in international conflicts, including the United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy, the U.S.-led Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, and the recently released Risk Management Profile for Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. 

“Like the Department, we believe that the innovative use of cyber and digital tools—including AI—must be grounded in human rights and appreciate the Strategy’s emphasis on international cooperation toward this goal. The Strategy is more important today than ever, given the rapid development of AI capabilities and the technology’s increasing integration into critical systems—including weapons and targeting systems, as exemplified by the current Israel-Hamas war,” wrote the Senators.  

“To better understand the Department’s ongoing efforts in support of the Strategy, the Declaration, the Profile, and any other relevant initiatives, we request the following information regarding foreign countries’ use of AI technologies, no later than October 21, 2024,” continued the Senators. “We look forward to working with you to help ensure a rights-respecting digital future.” 

The Senators requested the State Department respond to the following questions regarding foreign countries’ use of AI technology in conflict zones: 

1. From the Department’s perspective, what critical and emerging AI technologies are most meaningfully and significantly impacting military capabilities and diplomatic relationships? Which countries are most advanced in the development and adoption of these technologies, and what are some examples of such technologies of concern? 

2. In cases when an emerging AI technology has been deployed in an armed conflict and civilians’ rights and safety appear to be at higher risk, how much is attributable to the nature of the technology, the technology’s reliability, or the absence of clear policies and protocols to reduce such risks? 

3. Where is there strong global alignment with the U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy? Where is there weak global alignment? What are the proposed recommendations to improve digital solidarity, specifically around ethical AI deployment? 

4. Whether through the previously discussed pathways – like the International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy, Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, or Risk Management Profile for Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights – or other initiatives, what are your next steps for evaluating the deployment of AI in armed conflict and ensuring civilian harms are minimized? 

5. The Department currently releases Country Reports on Human Rights assessing the human rights practices of countries receiving U.S. assistance, among other reports. 
   • In which existing Department of State reports, such as human rights reports, could the Department include information regarding foreign countries’ use of cyber and digital tools? What benefit, if any, does the Department see in incorporating this information? 
   • How would an annual report to Congress that outlines the cyber and digital technology capabilities of foreign countries help Congress support the Department’s work to implement the Strategy and promote compliance with international humanitarian law? 

Read the full letter. 

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