ACLU Sues Over Legality of "Targeted Killing" By Drones

MacAndrew writes "The ACLU has sued the United States Government to enforce a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for 'the release of records relating to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles — commonly known as 'drones' — for the purpose of targeting and killing individuals since September 11, 2001.' (Complaint.) The information sought includes the legal basis for use of the drones, how the program is managed, and the number of civilian deaths in areas of operation such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. The ACLU further claims that 'Recent reports, including public statements from the director of national intelligence, indicate that US citizens have been placed on the list of targets who can be hunted and killed with drones.' Aside from one's view of the wisdom, effectiveness, and morality of these military operations, the inclusion of US citizens suggests that summary remote-control executions are becoming routine. Especially given the difficulty in locating and targeting individuals from aircraft, risks of human and machine error are obvious, and these likely increase as the robots become increasingly autonomous (please no Skynet jokes). This must give pause to anyone who's ever spent time coding or debugging or even driving certain willful late model automobiles, and the US government evidently doesn't want to discuss it."

Comments

Oddly Enough

[eldavojohn]

The defense's response was merely a motion for discovery of the plaintiff's latitude and longitude.

No Skynet jokes?

[Red Flayer]

From the summary, emphasis mine:

Especially given the difficulty in locating and targeting individuals from aircraft, risks of human and machine error are obvious, and these likely increase as the robots become increasingly autonomous (please no Skynet jokes)

Resistance is futile. This article will be assimiliated into the collective conscious of slashdot, and will become subject to Skynet jokes whether you like it or not.

There. A skynet comment and a borg comment rolled into one...

Bet you didn't see that coming, submitter.

Re:Amicus Curiae

[Goffee71]

Hmm, that'll be a fun meeting. "Fellow lawyers, honored celebrity guests and bleeding heart liberals. It is so good to see so many of you in one room. We are gathered here today to stab at the heart of the neo-con agenda... hey, what's that droning noise?"

Re:Someone tagged this FOIA

[benjamindees]

I would respond seriously, but unfortunately your post is now classified also.

Re:English in What?

[imakemusic]

*picks up ACLU*
*hits e2d2*

Re:Former USAF Intel Analyst here

[Gallon of Fuel]

ATTN. SPECOPS AND GECKO45 my secret username is CIDDECEP and I am your S2. My authorization code is Six Wun Quebec Oscar Fife. Your presence here is tactically dangerous and compromises our overall mission parameter. Cease and desist all activity on this board. Our "enemies" are deft at computer hacking and may trace you back to our primary locale. You have forced me to compromise my situation to protect your vulnerable flank. This issue will be addressed later.