Artificial Intelligence and Future Perspectives of the International Humanitarian Law in Conflict Settings
Laura Guercio · 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on warfare, raising ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding children in armed conflict. AI can provide emergency relief and essential services to children during global crises, but it also risks exacerbating issues such as child recruitment and exploitation through data use without adequate safeguards. Advances in drones technologies and autonomous weapons have reshaped conflicts, posing dangers such as the destruction of vital infrastructure. There is also concern about AI manipulating images of children in conflict. The chapter also explores AI&s;s positive effects on children in conflict zones, including advancements in education, healthcare, and protection. Conversely, the third part of the chapter addresses AI&s;s darker implications for children, such as exploitation and privacy violations. Last, consideration will be given to the need for potential revisions to the international legal framework to better address the ethical and humanitarian challenges arising from AI&s;s role in conflicts.