Thread by @marywareham

Prospect of autonomous weapons is of deep concern globally & for #NewZealand. Machines making life & death decisions challenge fundamental values. #AWSDialogueNZ #KeepCtrl #TeamHuman

#NewZealand Govt has conducted a survey to collect views from the public. There’s limited public awareness but it found 72% opposed use of lethal autonomous weapons systems. Oppose machines being used to kill. #AWSDialogueNZ #KeepCtrl

#NewZealand government would prefer legally-binding rules on autonomous weapons systems. See the most effective control in a forum that works & delivers. #CCwUN must rise to the challenge before it. Time is off the essence! @PhilTwyford #AWSDialogueNZ

The @NZRedCross is very concerned by loss of human judgement & control as autonomous weapons are developed. Raises challenges for compliance with international law, fundamental ethical concerns for humanity - @Sakhr_M @NZRedCross @ICRC

Societal impacts of digital technologies is @andrewtychen’s field. NZ companies have pledged not to develop lethal autonomous weapons systems. Decision to end life cannot be given to lines of code. A legally-binding instrument would go a long way. #AWSDialogueNZ #KeepCtrl

#NewZealand can prohibit autonomous weapons systems now via domestic legislation - @KillerRobotsNZ It should not hesitate to work with other states keen to launch negotiations on a new international treaty. Principle & sound government policy is urgently needed. #AWSDialogueNZ