The DRC Files Criminal Chargest Against Apple, Ukraine’s War Data for AI Models, and AI-Controlled Fighter Jets
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has filed criminal charges against Apple for using conflict minerals.
Ukraine has millions of hours of drone footage that can be utilised to train AI models.
But first, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall reflected on the state of autonomous jets after flying in an AI-controlled fighter jet:
The Big Story
DRC Has Filed Criminal Charges Against Apple Over Conflict Minerals
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has brought criminal charges against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium regarding the use of conflict minerals.
Conflict minerals include tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold sourced from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, as defined by the OECD. These minerals are collectively utilised in mobile phones, computers, jet engines, the automotive industry, and numerous other applications.
According to a report published by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) earlier this year, the eastern region of the DRC is one of the key areas in the world rich in the four listed minerals. This region of the DRC is ravaged by violence, with at least 200 armed groups operating in the area, fighting for control of the mines. The rebels occupy the mines and trade routes, forcing the mine workers to labour for nothing and smuggle the minerals through places such as Rwanda. The minerals are then exported legally and risk ending up in the supply chains of large electronic and tech companies.
Gold miners fill bags of soil containing gold at the Luhihi gold mine in the eastern province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [File: Alexis Huguet/AFP]
The lawyers representing the DRC alleged that Apple’s European subsidiaries use conflict minerals sourced from sub-Saharan Africa, accusing the company of “employing deceptive commercial practices to assure consumers that the tech giant’s supply chains are clean.”
In September 2023, DRC engaged the law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP to investigate the supply chain of minerals sourced from Congolese territory and illegally exported. On April 22 this year, the law firm reached out to Apple CEO Tim Cook, informing him that their research had indicated that Apple’s supply chain might potentially include conflict minerals. The firm also notified Apple’s French offices. On December 17, the lawyers lodged criminal complaints against Apple’s branches in Europe in the courts of France and Belgium.
Apple denies the allegations, and the lawyers have stated that they will continue pursuing their case against Apple’s European subsidiaries.
Ukraine Collects War Data for AI Models
Ukraine possesses a valuable resource: millions of hours of drone footage that can be utilised to train AI models for decision-making on the battlefield.
Oleksandr Dimitriev, founder of OCHI, a non-profit Ukrainian digital system that centralises and analyses video feeds from over 15,000 drone teams operating on the frontlines, informed Reuters that since 2022, the system has accumulated 2 million hours, or 228 years, of battlefield video from drones.
This data can be utilised to train AI models in combat tactics, identify targets, and evaluate the effectiveness of weapons systems.
The system was initially developed to provide military commanders with an overview of their battlefield areas by displaying footage from all nearby crews. However, it quickly began to store data, adding five to six terabytes of new information each day.
Ukraine has a second system called Avengers, which was developed by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry and centralises and collects videos from drones and CCTV.
Ukrainian servicemen of drone squadron Rarog of 24 separate mechanised brigade attach an anti-tank mine to a Vampire combat drone before flying over positions of Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine June 26, 2024. REUTERS/Inna Varenytsia/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
In the News
SIPRI Researchers Lead Discussions on Quantum Technologies
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) hosted a high-level panel on the role of quantum technologies in international security. Experts discussed quantum cryptography’s potential to secure communications against cyberattacks and its implications for arms control. The discussions underscored the need for international governance to address the dual-use nature of quantum advancements, ensuring they do not escalate geopolitical tensions.
Read more at SIPRI.
German Tech Firm Kontron Gets €165M Order from Defence Company
Kontron AG, a German tech firm, has secured a €165 million contract from an unnamed European defence company. The agreement involves delivering advanced communication and computing systems for surveillance and command applications. These technologies are expected to enhance the efficiency and security of military operations, bolstering Europe’s defence capabilities amidst growing geopolitical challenges.
Read more at Yahoo Finance.
Raytheon and Ursa Major Log Successful Solid Rocket Motor Test
Raytheon and Ursa Major successfully tested a new solid rocket motor at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Designed for rapid production, this motor aims to address supply chain bottlenecks in missile manufacturing. This breakthrough positions Ursa Major as a major supplier alongside established defence contractors, supporting the Pentagon’s drive for innovation and self-reliance in missile technology.
Read more at Breaking Defense.
Humanity’s Fate Can’t Be Left to Algorithms, UN Chief Tells Security Council
The UN Secretary-General has called for urgent global guardrails on artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays risk destabilising global peace. Addressing the Security Council, António Guterres highlighted AI’s potential in areas like landmine detection but warned of risks, especially in military AI applications that bypass human oversight. He emphasised banning autonomous weapons and stressed collaborative governance to prevent misuse. Concerns over deepfakes and resource-intensive AI systems underscored the need for proactive regulation to maintain global trust and security.
Read more at UN.
Chinese Researchers Repurpose Meta’s Llama Model For Military Intelligence Applications.
Chinese researchers have adapted Meta’s Llama AI model for military intelligence, raising concerns about the dual-use potential of open-source AI. The model has been optimised for tasks such as data analysis and battlefield simulations. This adaptation highlights the risks of weaponising open AI platforms and underscores the need for ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.
Read more at Tech Radar.
Putin Challenges West to ‘High-Tech Duel’ to Test Missile Defense
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Western nations to a “high-tech duel” to test their missile defence systems against Russia’s latest missile technologies. This challenge comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia showcasing advanced hypersonic weapons designed to bypass NATO’s missile shields. Experts view this as both a flex of military power and a strategic provocation to gauge Western defence capabilities.
Read more at military.com.
