UN Chief Guterres calls for ban on ‘killer robots’

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Published: 2026-09-21T21:15:38.368Z • Permanent link

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a global ban on lethal autonomous weapons, also known as "killer robots." This move comes as part of a broader effort to regulate emerging technologies and prevent their misuse. Guterres has been a vocal advocate for responsible AI development and deployment, and his call for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons is seen as a key step towards ensuring that these technologies are used for the benefit of humanity, rather than against it.

Guterres's comments were made in a speech at the UN Office at Geneva, where he emphasized the need for international cooperation and agreement on the development and deployment of lethal autonomous weapons. He pointed to the rapid pace of technological progress in the field, and the potential risks associated with these systems, including the potential for unintended consequences and the possibility of misuse by states or non-state actors. Guterres also highlighted the importance of considering the ethical implications of these technologies, and the need for a global conversation about their potential impact on human society.

The UN Secretary-General's call for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons has been welcomed by many human rights groups and organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. These groups have long been critical of the development and deployment of lethal autonomous weapons, citing concerns about their potential to exacerbate conflicts and undermine human rights. The ban has also been endorsed by many countries, including Australia, Ireland, and Norway, which have all signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

The potential impact of a global ban on lethal autonomous weapons on the Data Sources domain cannot be overstated. Many companies and research institutions are already working on developing these technologies, and a ban would likely have significant consequences for their business models and research agendas. For example, companies like Google and Microsoft have already developed autonomous systems for military use, and a ban would likely force them to reassess their strategies and consider alternative applications for these technologies.

The impact of a ban on lethal autonomous weapons will also be felt in the research community, where scientists and engineers are working on developing these systems. Many researchers are driven by a desire to advance our understanding of complex systems and to develop new technologies that can improve human lives. A ban on lethal autonomous weapons would likely slow the progress of research in this field, at least in the short term. However, it could also lead to new opportunities for researchers to explore alternative applications for these technologies, such as in the development of autonomous systems for civilian use.

The call for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons is part of a broader effort to regulate emerging technologies and prevent their misuse. This effort has been led by a number of organizations, including the UN, the European Union, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These organizations have been working together to develop new frameworks and guidelines for the development and deployment of emerging technologies, including AI and robotics.