ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ

Letter: Trigger-happy AI is no surprise (1)

Published 1 April 2026

From Robert Checchio, Dunellen, New Jersey, US

It isn’t surprising that an AI might recommend nuclear strikes when faced with the prospect of losing a war regardless of the ethical and moral ramifications. Without a soul, and without the ability to internalise the horror and revulsion resulting from the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, of course an AI could consider using a nuclear weapon, even if only as a last resort. As long as AIs are guided only by knowledge and experience, not wisdom, ethics and morality, AI-generated terror will be a danger (7 March, p 11)

Issue no. 3589 published 4 April 2026

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop