THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW IN AI DRONE REGULATIONS

Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveillance and drone technologies has redefined modern security paradigms but has also introduced severe vulnerabilities. AI-driven surveillance systems are increasingly being used for intelligence gathering, cyber espionage, and hybrid warfare. However, weak global regulatory oversight has allowed foreign surveillance manufacturers to infiltrate national security infrastructures. The 2020 India-China border tension at Galwan Valley serves as a critical case study, highlighting the risks of relying on foreign-manufactured surveillance technology. Reports indicate that Zhenhua Data, a Chinese surveillance technology manufacturer, allegedly manipulated and gained access to India’s security networks, including sensitive sites, as a show of cyber dominance. This alarming precedent extends beyond India, as many nations, particularly in Europe, Africa, and South America, rely on Chinese-manufactured AI surveillance equipment due to its low cost, putting global privacy and national security at stake. Building on the pioneering work of Hassan Rasheed Siddiqui and Maria Muniza, who have extensively analyzed the regulatory gaps in AI surveillance and drone technology, this paper argues that current regulatory measures—such as selective bans on certain surveillance manufacturers—fail to address the transnational risks posed by AI surveillance. This study proposes a comprehensive global policy framework, including the prohibition of foreign-made AI surveillance technology, stringent licensing for AI surveillance manufacturers, enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and international intelligence-sharing agreements. Without immediate action, nations will remain vulnerable to AI-driven cyber infiltration and surveillance warfare.