Clayton warns of AI espionage threat

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton told CNBC on Friday that U.S. companies and the Trump administration both need to be wary of foreign espionage attempts as the race for artificial intelligence dominance continues.

“need to be wary of foreign espionage attempts”

AI amplifies existing cybersecurity risks

Clayton said AI amplifies existing cybersecurity risks toward U.S. digital infrastructure, which is interconnected with critical systems related to public goods, national defense and global communications.

OpenAI recording device case prompts concern

Clayton was asked about the recently revealed case charging Saudi national Abdulrahman Alfozan with allegedly installing a recording device in an OpenAI executive conference room. Alfozan was an OpenAI employee.

Espionage both commercial and state-sponsored

Clayton said espionage, both commercial and state-sponsored, are realities that private sector companies and government need to be wary of.The OpenAI incident shows the lengths people will go to supplant U.S.leadership in emerging technology.

“espionage, both commercial espionage, and I would say state-sponsored espionage, are realities”

White House task force established with subcommittees

Clayton, appointed AI czar earlier this month, said the White House AI task force held its inaugural meeting on Thursday.

U.S. must stay ahead of rival nations

Clayton said the Trump administration is intent on staying ahead in the AI race. The Chinese, Russians, Iranians and North Koreans all have significant technical capability and are developing AI technology.

“The Chinese, the Russians, the Iranians, the North Koreans all have significant technical capability”