MI5 to Create AI Threat Assessment Centre

MI5 will create an AI Threat Assessment Centre to evaluate security risks involving artificial intelligence, according to The Guardian. The centre will combine expertise from across the UK government and advise officials and the public on the severity of emerging threats.

Director General Ken McCallum said he was "particularly focused" on the risk of hostile states or terrorists using AI to generate new, deadly bioweapons, particularly if guardrails introduced by software companies failed. He said AI could also be exploited by hackers, help terrorists refine attack plans and be used in "AI-enabled drones". He also warned that the technology could produce propaganda and radicalisation material tailored to individuals.

McCallum said the centre will assess which threats are credible and distinguish them from exaggerated claims. The announcement formed part of his annual threat update, which also covered terrorism and hostile activity by Iran, Russia and China.