British Intelligence Warns Government of AI Risks to National Security

The British newspaper "The Times" reported that heads of British intelligence agencies warned the government that artificial intelligence could pose one of the greatest threats to national security in the coming years, amid concerns about its exploitation by hostile states, "terrorist groups," and extremist individuals.

According to the newspaper, Ken McCallum, Director General of the domestic security service; Blaise Metreweli, head of the foreign intelligence agency; and Anne Keast-Butler, director of the Government Communications Headquarters, briefed the government during a cabinet meeting on the security threats posed by artificial intelligence.

McCallum assured ministers that artificial intelligence is "the most important thing you should be thinking about," while one minister likened the current stage to the early phases of the coronavirus pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis, when warning signs emerged without sufficient action being taken.

According to "The Times," the briefing was not in response to an imminent danger, but rather as part of a periodic review of security threats conducted approximately once a year.