From The Independent · · 1m 50s
MI5 warns AI could arm terrorists with bioweapons
The head of Britain's Security Service says artificial intelligence poses an unprecedented threat if safeguards fail, potentially giving extremists access to biological weapons.
In brief
The head of Britain's Security Service says artificial intelligence poses an unprecedented threat if safeguards fail, potentially giving extremists access to biological weapons. MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum warned that AI could enable terrorists to develop bioweapons or create new pathogens if guardrails fail…
MI5 chief warns of AI bioweapon risk
Sir Ken McCallum, head of MI5, said artificial intelligence could give terrorists access to bioweapons or enable creation of new pathogens if safeguards fail.
“AI's potential to change the stakes on existing or even new bioweapons”
AI already weaponised by extremists
McCallum told an audience at Thames House on Tuesday that terrorists are already using AI to improve reconnaissance and attack methods, including AI-enabled drones.
“We've caught terrorists seeking to exploit AI to improve their reconnaissance and attack methodologies”
Low-sophistication actors gain capability
McCallum warned that less advanced terrorist groups could gain significant capability uplift if AI guardrails fail, potentially accessing knowledge previously difficult to obtain.
“comparatively low sophistication actors may have a capability uplift in the AI era if these guardrails do not function as intended”
AI could generate novel pathogens
Beyond enabling access to existing bioweapons, McCallum identified a second risk: AI could generate entirely new pathogens that have never been seen before.
“AI could generate novel pathogens not previously seen”
New AI Threat Assessment Centre launched
MI5 announced the launch of an AI Threat Assessment Centre working with the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre to assess risks from developing AI.
McCallum calls for whole-of-society effort
The MI5 chief urged the British public to help protect national security by building resilience across critical infrastructure, community cohesion and technology.
“We all have a stake in our national security”
Authoritarian regimes weaponise division
McCallum warned that hostile states invest heavily in distorting British society and sowing division, often using polarising algorithms to turn communities against each other.
MI5 to review political security
MI5 will contribute to a review of security arrangements for political figures announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following recent violence against political and community leaders.
The key point
MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum warned that AI could enable terrorists to develop bioweapons or create new pathogens if guardrails fail, announcing a new AI Threat Assessment Centre to assess the risks.
