Amid growing concerns over China’s technological advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), a recent report suggests that Chinese operatives may be using the notion of ‘technologically advanced’ AI weapons as a means to intimidate Western powers, including the United Kingdom. While the threat is acknowledged, some experts argue that the urgency and capability of these AI weapons may be exaggerated for strategic purposes.
Questionable AI threats
Professor Anthony Glees, a prominent expert in the field of intelligence and security, has raised doubts about the extent of China’s AI capabilities and their intent. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Star, Professor Glees expressed skepticism about whether China truly possesses the advanced AI weaponry they are purportedly using to threaten Western nations. He posits that these threats may be a calculated smokescreen, aimed at diverting attention away from their actual intentions and abilities.
Two kinds of intel
According to Professor Glees, countries like China and Russia are keen to acquire two critical types of intelligence: knowledge about the military capabilities of their adversaries and insight into their strategic intentions. While AI has the potential to assist in gathering such information, Professor Glees believes that judgment based on available evidence is a crucial aspect that AI currently cannot replicate. Therefore, the alleged use of AI threats by China may serve as a means to intimidate Western powers rather than a legitimate display of AI capabilities.
Misdirection through AI
In essence, Professor Glees contends that while China may indeed possess advanced technology, they could be leveraging the fear of AI to misdirect attention and resources. He argues that intelligence agencies like MI6 should focus on traditional espionage methods, such as assessing military capabilities and understanding strategic intentions, rather than getting entangled in the complexities of AI and facial recognition technology. This perspective challenges the notion that AI alone poses an imminent threat to the UK.
Traditional espionage prevails
Professor Glees emphasizes that traditional espionage remains the most crucial and successful form of intelligence gathering. He alleges that Russian, Iranian, and Chinese operatives continue to engage in traditional espionage activities on British soil, underscoring the enduring significance of conventional spycraft in intelligence operations.
The Perceived AI Threat
As concerns about China’s technological advancements in artificial intelligence grow, experts question the validity of the alleged AI threats. Professor Anthony Glees suggests that these threats may be exaggerated and strategically employed to intimidate Western powers, including the UK.
In the world of intelligence gathering, two critical types of information are sought after: knowledge of military capabilities and insights into strategic intentions. Professor Glees argues that while AI can aid in collecting data, it falls short in providing the necessary judgment based on available evidence, raising doubts about the true extent of China’s AI capabilities.
The use of AI threats by China may serve as a diversion tactic to redirect focus and resources away from their actual intentions and abilities. Professor Glees contends that traditional espionage methods remain the most effective means of intelligence gathering, challenging the notion that AI poses an imminent and technologically advanced threat to the UK.
