The integration of wearable, edible, or injectable technology for SOF can potentially raise concerns about the loss of autonomy in making ethical decisions. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, can collect vast amounts of personal data about our behaviors, activities, and health. The risk lies in the potential misuse or exploitation of this data, which could erode personal privacy and autonomy. Could external entities and malicious actors with access to such data manipulate individual choices or influence decision-making through targeted persuasive techniques? Edible technology refers to ingestible devices or substances, such as smart pills or edible sensors. While these technologies can provide valuable health monitoring or targeted drug delivery, there is a risk of overreliance and loss of agency. Can people become too dependent on such technologies for managing their health or decision-making processes? Could they inadvertently surrender their autonomy to technology or entities controlling it? Injectables include implanting devices or substances into the body, such as microchips or smart implants. These can offer benefits, such as enhanced cognitive capabilities or medical monitoring. Risks include potential unauthorized access to implanted devices, data breaches, or manipulation of bodily functions or behaviors. Such vulnerabilities may compromise personal autonomy and privacy. What are the potential risks or challenges the SOE should consider regarding the loss of SOF ethical autonomy when using wearable technology, edibles, or injectables? What measures can be taken to ensure individuals maintain their autonomy and ethical decision-making capabilities while using such technologies?
- Holloway, Maj. E. Minnenne and Maj. Bridget K. Pantaleon, "Warfare in the Age of AI: Upholding International Humanitarian Law amid Technological Advancements," AF Fellows paper, 2024, 12 pgs.
- Raudy, Maj. Kristine Anne Laughlin, "Extreme Heat and Military Operations: Evaluating Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies," AFGC thesis, 2025, 60 pgs.
- Raudy strongly advocates for the deployment of wearable biometric sensors (like those developed by the U.S. Army Research Institute) to continuously monitor physiological responses and predict heat stroke. However, she directly addresses the ethical challenges this poses to personnel privacy. She points out the risk that health information is often collected and used without individual consent, creating data vulnerability. Furthermore, she warns that collecting and disclosing this biometric data risks stigmatizing individuals who show physiological vulnerability to heat, which could negatively impact their career progression, deployment status, and retention—potentially discouraging personnel from reporting symptoms altogether.
- Silverman, Lt. Col. Michael J., "Barriers to Artificial Intelligence Implementation in the Military Healthcare System," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2024, 40 pgs. Winner of the AWC Air Force Cyber Award