The current war in Ukraine is one we have never seen before; the use of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence are more important than ever. In this blog I want to explain how Ukraine uses Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology and want to briefly give my opinion on it.
Firstly, Ukraine’s vice prime minister recently admitted the usage of Clearview AI. This AI has facial recognition software. With the software they can identify fallen soldiers in the war. After the faces are recognized, the families of the individuals concerned are notified. The system is used not only for identification of Ukrainian soldiers, it is also used for Russian soldiers. The AI extracts the data from the social media of the soldiers (Dangwal, 2022).
Secondly, Ukraine also uses AI to listen, transcript and translate intercepted Russian communication. The transcripted data automatically transfers to a database for commanders to use the relevant information. You might wonder if we humans are already capable, if not better, in this task. You are probably right! However, the AI systems, provided by Primer, operate at a scale and speed that would require tons of people.This AI system is a way cheaper alternative and more importantly, no humans, who can potentially be at use in the war, are needed (Allen, 2022).
Lastly, western allies provide Ukraine with data about their enemies position obtained by their Information Technology systems. With this data, they exactly know where they need to put more troops and where they can conduct airstrikes (Tsereteli, 2022).
In my opinion, the usage of AI and Information Technology in warfare, is on one hand fascinating to see. On the other hand it is also really scary. Ukraine shows us daily that they are one of the most efficient and capable armies in the world thanks to AI and IT. I firmly believe that AI and IT are still in a beginning phase and there are many more opportunities to develop the systems even more. I therefore find it frightening to think about what AI and IT will do in the future during times of war.
References
Allen, G., C. (2022, May 13). Across Drones, AI, and Space, Commercial Tech Is Flexing Military. www.csis.org. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.csis.org/analysis/across-drones-ai-and-space-commercial-tech-flexing-military-muscle-ukraine
Dangwal, A. (2022, April 7). Ukraine Uses ‘Controversial’ Artificial Intelligence Tech In Its War Against Russia As Kiev Looks To Win The ‘Digital War.’ www.eurasiantimes.com. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraine-uses-artificial-intelligence-tech-in-its-war-against-russia/
Tsereteli, A. (2022, August 2). War in Europe: Use of Technologies in the Russia-Ukraine War. Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.freiheit.org/ukraine-and-belarus/use-technologies-russia-ukraine-war#_ftn9
Hi Justus,
Thank you for the interesting article. I didn’t know that this level of AI was used in the war between Ukraine and Russia. I have some thoughts on you mentioning that for the AI system (from Primer) no humans are needed. I’m wondering how that works since the AI also needs to be set up in the very specific circumstances which is war… Sounds like a big and very careful project.
I agree with you on how scary this can actually be once the data falls in the wrong hands. Especially with the reputation of Russia being also a very advanced IT country. However, it’s great to see what they can do nowadays with data and AI.
Thanks you for your reaction! I was a little bit to optimistic when writing zero humans. They probably need a view. However, far less than without AI.
Great article Justus! What do you think the impact of fake news is on this war? Might moral be affected by it?
Thanks you Jan! It is difficult to distinguish fake news and real news. Although I believe western media a lot I also doubt sometimes if we get all the correct news. I guess fake news is part of the the society we life in nowadays but It doesn’t help in any way with building trust.