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what could be called a "maxim" approach to the understanding of autonomy. The document argues tha machines or systems can only be called autonomous when they are self-aware or their understanding is indistinguishable from humans: "Autonomous systems will, in effect, be self-aware and their response to inputs indistinguishable from, or even superior to, that of a manned aircraft. As such, they must be capable of achieving the same level o situational understanding as a human.""” This would be a substantially different definition o "autonomy" than is being used by many scientists and companies involved in developing autonomous systems, as the document itself recognises. There are very serious legal, not to mention ethical, issues raised by the prospect of unmanned systems deciding themselves whether to launch their weapons. Under international law, a human must be "in the loop" when it come to launching weapons. The MoD's assurances that it is not currently, as it puts it, developing these systems, while at the same time blurring the distinction between "autonomous" and "automated", is unhelpful. This, together with the fact that exploration into the "technological challenge" to achieve such a capability appears to be continuing, is extremely worrying." UK, although these drones must still remain under 400 feet [~122 metres] and within 500 metres of the operator.’* Although the names of the institutions and companies which have been granted permission to fly the drones have not been revealed, the type of work being undertaken includes aerial photography and filming, surveying of buildings and land, emergency services work, and surveillance in support of law enforcement, data collection, evidence gathering and security.'” While a number of police forces in the UK have trialled the use of drones, recent reports seem to suggest tha under current Civil Aviation Authority regulations they have not been too successful.'* However, it is expected that drones will be used in London during the Olympic Games.'” Both within the European Union and specifically within the UK, drone manufacturers are working hard to get the "barriers [that] have hindered the development of the civil market" removed.'” Be ee ptt Mere Eye ew sete see ee Sew blurring the distinction between "autonomous" and The Need for Accountability and Public Debate "automated", is unhelpful. This, together with the fact There are several "fronts" in the ongoing war over that exploration into the "technological challenge" to —_ whether it is acceptable to use armed drones: achieve such a capability appears to be continuing, is ¢ Does the geographic and psychological distance extremely worrying." between the operator and target make attacks more likely? Civilian Use of Drones e Does using unmanned systems mean that attacks While military use of drones has soared over the past happen more often? decade, the drone industry sees the civilian use of ¢ Does the supposed accuracy of drone sensors and drones as a potentially huge and lucrative market. cameras mean that commanders are more willing to Freedom of Information requests by Drone Wars UK __ undertake "riskier" strikes (in terms of possible civilian suggest that around 50 to 60 companies and public casualties) than they would previously have undertaken? institutions have been given "blanket permission" to fly All of these questions, and many more, need to be small drones weighing less than 20 kilograms within the | debated openly and honestly, and they require careful analysis and clear-headed judgement based on evidence. Unfortunately, that evidence is being ept strictly under wraps. While it may be necessary to keep some information secret, we do not believe it is appropriate, or legitimate, to refuse to disclose any and all information about he circumstances of the use of Reapers over the past three years. There is, at the very least, the sense that public discussion is being manipulated. With he use of armed drones only set to increase, we need a serious, public and fully informed debate on all these issues and to ensure that there is ull public accountability for the use of these drones. oo About the Author: Chris Cole maintains the Drone Wars UK blog and is happy to speak to groups and conferences The BAE Systems Taranis, a semi-autonomous unmanned warplane about the growing use of drones in conflicts. The utilising stealth technology, is able to attack both aerial and ground complete Briefing text, including endnotes, is targets while on intercontinental missions. available at http://www.dronewars.net. Civilian Use of Drones While military use of drones has soared over the past decade, the drone industry sees the civilian use of drones as a potentially huge and lucrative market. Freedom of Information requests by Drone Wars UK suggest that around 50 to 60 companies and public institutions have been given "blanket permission" to fly small drones weighing less than 20 kilograms within the The BAE Systems Taranis, a semi-autonomous unmanned warplane utilising stealth technology, is able to attack both aerial and ground targets while on intercontinental missions. 16 * NEXUS APRIL - MAY 2012 www.nexusmagazine.com