Lib Dems want ‘Geneva Convention’ for use of tech in modern warfare

Recent cyber attacks show there is a need for international laws on the use of technology in modern warfare, according to deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson.

Speaking at the Liberal Democrats’ party conference yesterday (16 September), Swinson said that technology has a significant impact on society, and that new laws are needed to deal with cases like cyber attacks and the use of drones.

During the party conference, the Lib Dems voted and agreed on promoting an international treaty on both principles and limits on the use of technology in modern warfare. “Recent cyber attacks on businesses and civil infrastructure traced to Russia show that cyber defence must be considered the new civil defence,” said Swinson.

“That is why Liberal Democrats are determined to take forward radical new ideas, including a new ‘Geneva Convention’ for modern warfare. It is paramount that the UK work with our partners to develop international rules that limit new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones and cyber.”

She also criticised the Conservative government for “failing to stand up to bullies, be they in the Oval Office or the Kremlin”.

Swinson also used her speech to warn of the dangers of the technology revolution leading people being left behind, warning that modern technology like AI and robotics are creating “possibilities that just a few short years ago were the realm of science fiction”, but that it also creates new problems and risks.

“From a young age, we are told that if we study hard, if we work hard, in return we will earn a good wage so we can put food on the table and have a roof over our head,” she said, adding that the social contract has been broken at the “height of the technological revolution”. “If we don’t manage it properly, this fourth industrial revolution could make the social contract weaker still.”