AI could worsen cyber-threats, report warnsAI could worsen cyber-threats, report warns

A recent report by the UK government suggests that by 2025, the use of artificial intelligence might heighten the risk of cyber-attacks and weaken trust in digital content.

This technology, the report highlights, could potentially aid in planning terrorist attacks involving chemical or biological weapons.

However, some experts are skeptical about this prediction of AI’s evolution.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is slated to discuss both the opportunities and dangers presented by AI.

The focus of the government’s report is on generative AI, which is the underlying technology behind popular chatbots and image generation tools, drawing partly on information declassified by intelligence agencies.

The report cautions that generative AI could be exploited for gathering knowledge on physical attacks, including chemical and biological warfare, by violent non-state actors by 2025.

A guide simplifying AI for better understanding It acknowledges that while companies are attempting to prevent this, the success of such measures is variable.

Although acquiring the necessary knowledge, materials, and equipment for such attacks is challenging, AI could lower these barriers.

The report also warns that AI could enhance the scale and effectiveness of cyber-attacks by 2025.

Joseph Jarnecki of the Royal United Services Institute points out that AI might assist hackers in more convincingly imitating official communications.

Oxford University’s development of an AI tool to track virus variants AI’s potential impact on the legal field Ahead of a speech by Mr. Sunak, the report outlines the UK government’s plan to safely harness AI and position the UK as a leader in AI safety.

“AI holds the promise of new knowledge, economic growth, advancements in human abilities, and solutions to previously unsolvable problems. However, it also presents new risks and fears,” Mr. Sunak is expected to emphasize in his speech.

He will vow to confront these concerns, focusing on the opportunities AI can offer for future generations.

A government meeting on AI This speech is a precursor to a government summit addressing the risks of advanced AI systems.

The summit will concentrate on regulating “Frontier AI”, which are potent future AI systems capable of a wide range of tasks and surpassing today’s most advanced models.

The debate on whether such systems could threaten humanity is ongoing.

Another report by the Government Office for Science argues that the risk of AI posing a threat to human existence is minimal, requiring control over critical systems and advanced capabilities like self-improvement and autonomy.

This report notes a lack of consensus on when such AI capabilities might emerge.

Regulation discussion Major AI companies generally agree on the need for regulation and are expected to participate in the summit.

However, technology expert Rachel Coldicutt questions the summit’s emphasis on long-term risks.

She believes this focus benefits technology companies concerned about immediate regulatory impacts and suggests that the government’s stance aligns with this perspective.

But she acknowledges that the government reports are tempering the excitement over futuristic threats, revealing a disparity between political and technical viewpoints.

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