Artificial Intelligence as Dual-Use Technology

Abstract

This chapter discusses dual-use technologies (DUT), technologies that have potential to be used for both peaceful and military aims, from a global perspective, especially with regard to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Strategic research and development (R&D) of DUT has its roots in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States (US). DARPA was established under the US DoD’s national strategy to overcome the, so-called Sputnik shock and its success has led to the realization of the current information society. Since then, major countries around the world have established DARPA-like R&D organizations and are operating on R&D of DUT. AI is one of key technologies for DUT; thus, its concepts and characteristics are discussed. On the other hand, DUT is an aggregation of strategic cutting-edge technology for each country, which is important for national security and defense. In particular, since AI is in a form of software, outcomes can easily leak or get stolen through the Internet. This issue is known as “dual-use dilemma” and precautions must be taken against it. Therefore, countries, organizations and universities are taking and/or considering various counter measures. At the same time, the Japanese academic community is currently in denial about DUT-policy based on its unique background. The author hopes that this chapter will be helpful in future works on this topic.