This paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to establish and
implement effective counterterrorism security strategies for national security, while
also considering the serious legal and ethical issues that may arise as a resu...
This paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to establish and
implement effective counterterrorism security strategies for national security, while
also considering the serious legal and ethical issues that may arise as a result and
proposing solutions. To this end, it reviews the definition and concept of modern
terrorism, the technical characteristics of AI and its core technologies applicable to
counterterrorism strategies, and the legal and ethical issues and mistakes arising
from the current legal frameworks and response cases of major countries.
Traditional human-resource-centered intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism
activities for prevention and response have long been problematic, involving extensive
collection of personal information on foreigners and citizens, illegal wiretapping, and
surveillance. This pattern persists in contemporary national security and
counter-terrorism strategies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, major nations witnessed
firsthand that transnational terrorist activities could inflict war-level devastation
capable of shaking a nation to its core. Consequently, they raced to strengthen
relevant legislation and response systems. In this process, the United States triggered
legal and ethical conflicts over citizen privacy by extensively collecting sensitive
information, including biometric data, on unspecified foreigners residing or seeking
entry into the country through the “Patriot Act.” The United Kingdom established a
counterterrorism policy centered on preemptive prevention, but the application of AI
technology to these prevention programs faced issues of algorithmic bias targeting - ⅵ -
specific groups (race/religion). Israel has faced criticism for using AI in attack
targeting and targeting processes, relaxing human oversight and control over target
selection and strikes. This creates a “responsibility gap” where accountability under
international humanitarian law and international criminal law is difficult to pursue. It
is also accused of intentionally causing collateral damage, violating the “principle of
distinction” and the “principle of proportionality” under international humanitarian
law. China has been assessed as lacking respect for human rights, due process, and
the warrant principle, using AI technology as a means of social control and
surveillance tied to its political system.
The key to success or failure in establishing and operating national security and
counter-terrorism strategies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) lies not primarily in the
sophistication of AI technology or the technological maturity of the implementing
state, but rather in the strategic objectives, political system, legal framework, and
environment of the state applying it. Furthermore, the level of human rights values,
ethics, and moral consciousness within that state and its civil society act as decisive
factors. Therefore, by analyzing the cases of leading nations, this paper proposes
measures for the Republic of Korea to implement an AI-based counterterrorism
strategy framework while upholding lawful and democratic values. It suggests policy
approaches to ensure national security through artificial intelligence (AI) utilization
and protect the lives and safety of its citizens in the era following the Fourth
Industrial Revolution.