Ethically Aligned Data Fusion Systems

Research on Information Fusion does not consider whether and with what capabilities fusion systems should be developed. Nor does it have to assess the ethical dimension of their use. Nevertheless, its tasks include systematically investigating technical options and limitations of such systems, researching methods for their use and control, advising users, and finally developing the required technology. At the same time, it must assess development risks associated with this technology at the technical level and estimate future development trends. Fusion research for defense and security therefore provides a factual basis which must be taken into account in any ethical evaluation. In this context, it is also necessary to consider what is substantially new about innovative technology compared to systems already in use. As concrete examples we consider armed drones and hazardous material localization in public spaces.