MI5 Warns of AI-Created Bioweapons Threat to UK

Britain faces a new danger from potential biological weapons created using artificial intelligence, MI5's Director General has warned. Sir Ken McCallum stated that the misuse of AI presents significant concerns, particularly in the development of bioweapons. This warning comes as the security service's workload dealing with state-sponsored threats has quadrupled over the past decade, requiring more resources than during the Cold War.

New Centre to Tackle AI Risks

In response to the evolving threat landscape, MI5 has launched the AI Threat Assessment Centre (AITAC). This new unit aims to manage the risks associated with the misuse of artificial intelligence. Sir Ken McCallum noted that while the full extent of the threat is not yet realised, AI has the potential to significantly alter the stakes for existing and novel bioweapons. The UK Intelligence Community, including MI5, GCHQ, and MI6, is collaborating with the AI Security Institute to counter these dangers.

The Director General elaborated that AI could empower actors with comparatively low sophistication to develop dangerous capabilities if safeguards fail. Historically, acquiring the means for chemical or biological weaponry has been difficult for terrorist groups. However, AI could facilitate the dissemination of dangerous knowledge to individuals who should not possess it. Alongside misinformation, radicalisation, and serious crime, bioweapons are a particular focus for government action.

Foreign State Threats

Russia continues to be identified as 'aggressor number one', with its government employing tactics short of direct conflict to destabilise European nations. Sir Ken McCallum stated that the Kremlin is seeking to utilise criminals or exploit naive volunteers for its objectives. Iran is also a significant concern, using criminal proxies to intimidate opposition figures, media organisations, and Israeli interests within Britain. Over the past year, more than 50 individuals have been arrested in the UK in connection with Iran-linked operations, including incidents targeting British Jewish communities.

MI5 also maintains focus on China's activities, which include espionage, coercion, and interference in democratic processes. The agency recently issued an alert to the academic community regarding individuals posing as research bodies who were funding projects linked to AI and cybersecurity in the UK. The threat from groups like Al Qaida and ISIS persists, with ongoing attempts to carry out mass casualty attacks in the UK, despite efforts to degrade the leadership of Islamic State.

Rise in Extreme Rightwing Terrorism

The threat level for extreme rightwing terrorism in Britain has been elevated to 'severe'. Sir Ken McCallum highlighted that anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiments are increasingly translating into terrorist intent. He emphasised that community cohesion is a critical national security issue, as adversaries seek to sow division. The Director General noted a concerning trend of violence directed at political figures, religious groups, and community leaders, citing a recent prosecution for murder and terrorist offences against a political leader.

Public Role in National Security

Sir Ken McCallum urged the British public to recognise their role in national security and resilience. He stressed that security extends beyond traditional concerns like cyber warfare or international conflict, encompassing local environments. This includes the reliability of critical infrastructure, societal cohesion, and technological vulnerabilities, such as manipulative social media content and online algorithms influencing young people. "We all have a stake in our national security," he stated.