MI5 warns AI could enable terrorists to create bioweapons

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 13:51 · Archive

The head of MI5 has warned that artificial intelligence could enable terrorists to create bioweapons or access biological weapons.

Sir Ken McCallum, director general of MI5, warned on Tuesday that artificial intelligence is 'supercharging' security threats to the UK, with particular concern about the risk that terrorists could use AI to create bioweapons or access biological weapons. He gave his annual threat update speech at MI5 headquarters in London.

McCallum said that AI is already affecting national security in multiple ways. The technology is amplifying the cybersecurity contest between attackers and defenders, and can produce propaganda and radicalising material tailored to individuals. MI5 has caught terrorists seeking to exploit AI to improve their reconnaissance and attack methodologies, he said, with AI-enabled drones adding what he called 'a new twist'.

The most significant concern, McCallum stated, is AI's potential to change the stakes on existing or new bioweapons. He said: 'Human history has given us no experience of facing an actor which is smarter than we are. Is capable of out-thinking us. This is genuinely novel, and deserves the serious attention it is getting.'

McCallum warned that 'low-capability' terrorists could receive a 'capability uplift' from AI if safety guardrails on the technology fail to function as intended. For the past 25 years, many terrorists have wanted access to chemical, biological or radiological weapons but have found it difficult to achieve, he noted. There is a risk that AI could enable dangerous knowledge to reach people who previously lacked it, and could even generate novel pathogens not previously seen.

To address these threats, MI5 has launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre, which brings together teams from MI5, the National Crime Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ), and the UK's AI security institute. The centre will produce assessments of risks posed by developing AI.

McCallum said MI5 is taking inspiration from how it tackled al Qaeda after the 9/11 terror attacks. He also warned that the UK has entered a 'new era of national security', noting that MI5 is now devoting more resources to countering state threats than during the Cold War. The threats include disruption to essential services such as banking, flights and healthcare from adversaries including Russia and Iran.

McCallum called for a 'whole-of-society effort' to face these threats, saying the UK Intelligence Community is working closely with its AI security institute. He said the government is taking additional steps on bioweapons, though he expressed concern about the pace at which the world is evolving, with timelines for predicting adversaries' actions shortening due to AI.

How it is being reported

• MI5 to step up on AI threats amid bioweapon riskMI5 has launched the AI Threat Assessment Centre to help Britain respond to state threats, terrorism and bioweapons.Politico Europe · 13 Oct, 13:45
• Terrorists could use AI to target UK with drones and bioweapons, MI5 chief warnsSir Ken McCallum said UK was entering ‘new era of national security’ with most threats since the Cold War, as he warned against rising threats from Russia and IranThe Independent · 13 Oct, 13:42
• Londoners face new AI bioweapons terror danger: Key points from MI5 Director General’s threat speechDirector General Sir Ken McCallum gave his annual threat speech in Thames House on Tuesday morning, where he warned the agency’s state threats caseload has quadrupled in the past 10 yearsEvening Standard · 13 Oct, 13:41
• AI could give terrorists access to bioweapons if guardrails fail – MI5 chiefSir Ken McCallum gave his annual speech on threats to the UK at Thames House on Tuesday.The Independent · 13 Oct, 13:10
• Terrorists are plotting drone attacks in Britain and could kill using bioweapons as AI 'supercharges' threats, warns the head of MI5Sir Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, warned terror groups may use AI to 'create new pathogens' in order to kill. He also said MI5 is catching terrorists seeking to use AI drones for attacks in Britain.Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 13:02
• MI5 chief says UK will handle AI threat like it tackled al Qaeda after 9/11MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum delivered his annual threat update speech today (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire/AFP) The head of MI5 has said the domestic intelligence organisation will take inspiration from its work tackling al Qaeda after 9/11 as it faces a new threat from AI. Sir Ken…Metro · 13 Oct, 13:00
• UK at growing risk of terror attack with deadly manmade viruses, warns MI5 bossSir Ken McCallum said AI is 'supercharging' security threats in the UK and meant terrorists could gain the ability to create bioweaponsThe i Paper · 13 Oct, 13:00

In this story: MI5 · Sir Ken McCallum · UK · National Crime Agency · National Cyber Security Centre · GCHQ · Russia · Iran

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