Technology, Law, and the Future of Warfare with Prof Matthew Ford

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul Williams speaks with Professor Matthew Ford, an expert at the Swedish Defence University, about how smartphones, artificial intelligence, and private technology platforms are reshaping modern warfare. Ford explains that ubiquitous connectivity has blurred the line between battlefield and home front, as seen in Ukraine, where soldiers and civilians operate within real time digital information flows. Smartphones now function as tools for communication, intelligence gathering, targeting support, and global narrative shaping, while also creating new risks including surveillance, misinformation, and information overload.    The discussion also explores the growing role of private technology companies as essential infrastructure providers in war, raising questions about sovereignty, subscription-based access to military capabilities, and democratic accountability. Ford highlights challenges posed by algorithmic targeting, deepfakes, and the overwhelming scale of digital evidence in conflict zones. The episode offers a timely reflection on how digital literacy and legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace with technologically mediated warfare.