The integration of artificial intelligence into modern society has become increasingly apparent as it transforms businesses, academia, and communities. The perpetual development of new machine-learning systems offers immense opportunities, but also comes with risks and unintended consequences. As the scope of AI’s capabilities has continued to grow, it has been employed in unforeseen environments, including war. The application of international legal regulation to artificial intelligence has become increasingly exigent, as it is crucial to establish a baseline for understanding and accountability.
Misuse and Manipulation
Prevalent global examples of the misuse of AI have prompted conversations regarding the necessity for legal regulation.
The Israeli Defense Force has gained attention for its utilization of AI algorithms to enhance its ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) in the armed conflict in Gaza. Three known machine-learning systems, Gospel, Lavender, and “Where’s Daddy?” , analyze data to coordinate attacks against infrastructure, human targets, and specific wanted persons, respectively. The data, collected from drone footage, satellite imagery, and signals intelligence within these systems, is analyzed to make military decisions. The reduction of human involvement in these processes has proved pernicious, as Lavender has a reported 10 percent error rate, jeopardizing the lives of innocent people.
AI has been integrated into conflict in an entirely different context in Sudan, with the manipulation of generative AI threatening reliable sources of information from reaching the public. The weaponization of propaganda has posed a problem in the nation for decades, but became increasingly apparent in 2011 with the emergence of the Cyber Jihadist Unit, which attempted to nullify the voices of activists. The Civil Conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in 2023, and AI has only intensified the crisis. The RSF, specifically, has taken to the manipulation of AI-generated content to construct an online narrative advancing their position in the war. This falsification was highlighted when it was found that a TikTok account called the Voice of Sudan posted generative AI recordings comprised of dated audios and media reports. The account blatantly sought to manipulate the public’s perception of the war by appealing to authority and falsely imitating the voice of former President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir. The controversy expanded beyond Sudanese borders, with a similar scandal portraying US ambassador John Godfrey’s “voice” calling for secularization in Sudan. The false recording was presumed to be an attempt to demonize Western influence in the region.
The Law: Where it Stands
International Law is technologically neutral. Meaning, technology does not need specific regulations, but rather must fit within the legal framework as it stands. AI poses unique problems in complying with this framework because its ability to function without human oversight differs from other forms of technology, threatening the statutes of distinction and proportionality required under International Humanitarian Law. AI knows as much as it is taught, and unanticipated circumstances in wartime scenarios, for instance, may prove to be detrimental.
Nations around the world have taken different approaches to the regulation of AI, with contrasting views on the best course of action. As of 2026, the United States lacks federal oversight, but President Trump signed an executive order in an attempt to unify standards across the country, focusing on topics such as censorship and the prevention of exploitation. China adopted a different strategy, implementing safety and ethical regulations in the artificial intelligence sphere by passing the Amendment to Cybersecurity Law. Similarly, in 2022, Canada attempted to pass legislation regulating the use of artificial intelligence systems that could cause harm to individuals and their interests. However, the proposition did not pass.
Multifaceted Dialogue
The topic of religion is crucial for understanding the contemporary geopolitical landscape. The conflict in Gaza is heavily tied to the idea of the “Promised Land;” Jewish People see the land as promised to Abraham, Christians acknowledge it as the place where much of Jesus’ life unfolded, and Muslims believe it is where the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. The conflict in Sudan also has a religious dimension, with evident Christian persecution specifically initiated by the RSF, amidst the over 90 percent Muslim population. Given the inherent connection between religion and politics, religious leaders have contributed to the conversation of ethical concerns and limitations of Artificial Intelligence in times of conflict.
Pope Leo XIV shared his insights in his recent statement Magnifica Humanitas, where he emphasized the importance for human discernment regarding the application of AI technology. Among his greatest concerns were the absence of empathy and logical decision making that can result when human decision-makers are replaced with technology, along with the abandonment of political responsibility. The question of who to blame in the case of AI failures remains crucial to legal discourse, as compliance with humanitarian law requires there be accountability for any technological systems a nation chooses to put in place.
Islamic leaders have also voiced similar concerns about accountability, and emphasize the acknowledgement of the inherent bias in the programming of machine-learning technologies. Islamic leaders argue that their technologies should act in compliance with Sharia regulation, as technology developed by a non-Muslim would not act fully in accordance with their beliefs.
Conversations on how to best handle the emergence of AI in global conflict are ongoing, and will continue to require reevaluation. The application of law to unforeseen circumstances has always necessitated an adjustment period, but the incessant advancement of artificial intelligence could make this process more difficult than ever.
Edited by Nina Serengulian
This is an article written by a Staff Writer. Catalyst is a student-led platform that fosters engagement with global issues from a learning perspective. The opinions expressed above do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.
