Advanced Technologies in War and Their Impact on Democracy and Rights: Lessons From Ukraine

The integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, and remote sensing into military operations is rapidly transforming modern warfare. Nowhere is this more evident than in the war in Ukraine, where these tools have revolutionized defense strategies. But they also raise significant ethical, legal, and democratic challenges. Technologies developed for civilian purposes are being adapted for military use, enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities while creating risks related to privacy, human rights, and the erosion of democratic principles.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has incorporated cutting-edge technologies in its defense for strategic advantage. However, this highlights the need for updated legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas like AI regulation and data protection. How can Ukraine harmonize its legislation with EU standards to address these challenges? What steps are needed to ensure the ethical use of technologies such as facial recognition and AI in war while safeguarding civil liberties and upholding human rights?

This event will explore these questions based on the experience of Ukraine. The discussion will look at the role of key companies and systems—such as Clearview AI, Palantir Technologies, and Delta—in Ukraine’s military efforts, their implications on privacy and human rights in the country, and the lessons that can be drawn for future conflicts. Additionally, the event will address the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to manage the complexities of advanced technologies in conflict zones.

For more information, please contact Zsuzsanna Végh ([email protected]).

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan policy organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together.