Artificial Intelligence and International Criminal Law

The advancement of science and technology has led to more sophistication of weapons of war. The increased sophistication of weapons of war has brought about increased capacity for military casualties. Humanitarian concerns about the conduct of war have propelled the international community to gradually fashion out laws and customs of war to regulate the conduct of war between warring parties. The field of international criminal law has also materialized to implement a system of individual criminal responsibility for violating the laws of war, an action regarded as a war crime. Despite the efforts of the international community to deter war or the horrors of war, the thirst for conflict appears insatiable, and the arms race has taken a new dimension with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). This paper explores the considerations involved in the possible deployment of AI in military operations and the implications under international law. It also examines the use of AI in investigating and prosecuting international crimes before international criminal tribunals.