Deceiving Autonomous Drones

Abstract

This speculative article examines the concept of deceiving autonomous drones that are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and can work without operational input from humans. This article examines the potential of autonomous drones, their implications and how deception could possibly be a defence against them and /or a means of gaining advantage. It posits that officially, no truly autonomous drone is operational now, yet the development of AI and other technologies could expand the capabilities of these devices, which will inevitably confront society with a number of deep ethical, legal, and philosophical issues. The article also examines the impact of autonomous drones and their targets in terms of the power/deception nexus. The impact of surveillance and kinetic impacts on the target populations is investigated. The use of swarms can make deception more difficult although security can be breached. The Internet of Things can be considered as based on the same model as a swarm and its impact on human behaviour indicates that deception or perhaps counter-deception should be considered as a defence. Finally, the issues raised are outlined. However, this article does not provide definitive answers but, hopefully, exposes a number of issues that will stimulate further discussion and research in this general area.