UN Chief Guterres calls for ban on ‘killer robots’

The United Nations Secretary-General has urged an immediate global ban on autonomous weapons systems capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention, warning of the ethical and security risks posed by such "killer robots." The call comes as military and technological advancements accelerate the development of fully autonomous lethal systems, raising concerns over accountability and unintended escalation in conflicts. Advocates argue that the lack of human judgment in life-and-death decisions could lead to catastrophic consequences, while critics question whether current international law can effectively regulate emerging technologies. The debate highlights a growing divide between nations over the future of warfare and the need for binding agreements to prevent an arms race in lethal automation.

In this episode of On the Record, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for ban on autonomous ‘killer robots’.