Data-driven warfare: AI, civilian risks, and corporate responsibility

  • Panel
  • Grande Halle
  • Friday 22.05 — 10:30 - 11:45

Organising Institution

Privacy International

International

Privacy International (PI) is a London-based non-profit, non-governmental organisation that researches and advocates globally against government and corporate abuses of data and technology.
  • Academic 1
  • Business 2
  • Policy 3
The integration of AI-driven decision support systems (AI DSS) and other AI models into military operations is transforming the conduct of war. Marketed as tools for faster, more precise decision-making and compliance with international humanitarian law, these systems depend on vast amounts of data—fuelling unprecedented surveillance practices. From Gaza to Ukraine, AI technologies are shaping targeting decisions and risk assessments, while tech giants and defence start-ups emerge as pivotal actors in this ecosystem. This panel will interrogate the normalisation of surveillance in armed conflict, the tension between humanitarian and human rights law, and the export of militarised AI technologies to non-conflict contexts. Experts will explore implications for civilian protection, privacy, and freedom of expression, and critically assess the responsibilities of private companies driving these technologies and their accountability under international norms.

Questions to be answered

  1. How does AI-driven decision-making reshape compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law in practice?
  2. What surveillance risks do militarised AI techologies pose for civilians during and beyond armed conflict?
  3. What are the responsibilities of tech companies for developing and/or deploying those technologies?
  4. How can we manage the export of militarised AI technologies into civilian governance and policing?

Moderator

Ilia Siatitsa

Privacy International - International

Dr Ilia Siatitsa is a human rights lawyer and author. She currently works as Programme Director and Senior Legal Officer at Privacy International where she leads PI’s work on Militarisation of Tech and State Accountability for Surveillance practices. She holds a PhD in International Law from the University of Geneva.

Speaker

Chantal Joris

Article 19 - International

Chantal Joris is a Swiss qualified international lawyer. She is a Senior Legal Officer at ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation which works to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression and information. Chantal’s work focuses on among others on freedom of expression in armed conflicts and freedom of expression issues relating to national security and privacy. Prior to joining ARTICLE 19, Chantal worked at a public international law firm, where she represented States and private entities before international and domestic courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice, and advised on public international law matters.

Speaker

Frank Slijper

PAX - Europe

Frank Slijper is an economist who has worked on arms trade and disarmament issues for over 30 years, currently at Dutch peace organisation PAX. Research and advocacy areas include arms export control, industry policy and the role of the financial sector. He has written extensively on topics related to autonomous weapons.

Speaker

Eric Mongelard

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights