Research Papers · 2023–2024 Fellowship Round

Since the inception of the Disruption Network Institute on 11 September 2023, research has been conducted by four affiliated fellows over a period of 15 months: Lisa Ling (Whistleblower, Technologist, former Technical Sergeant, US Air Force Drone Surveillance Programme, US), Jack Poulson (Executive Director, Tech Inquiry, US), Joana Moll (Artist and Researcher, Professor of Networks, Academy of Media Arts Cologne, ES/DE) and Naomi Colvin (Whistleblower Advocate and UK/Ireland/Belgium Programme Director at Blueprint for Free Speech, UK).

The 2023-2024 fellowship round contributes to the debate on the use of autonomous weapons and AI following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the current war in Gaza. We have seen the United States and the UK push ahead with the development of autonomous weapons and Israel deploy AI targeting systems in Gaza. At the same time, the Artificial Intelligence Act, a proposed European Union regulation, explicitly exempts military applications.

This research programme benefits greatly from a lively exchange with individuals and organisations working in our areas of interest. By directly involving whistleblowers, artists, investigative journalists and whistleblower advocates with knowledge of how the Kill Cloud works, we hope to add a unique perspective to the existing discourse.