Issue State-linked actors using AI for surveillance and disinformation

Summary

The report treats the misuse of AI advances by state-linked threat actors as a long-term uncertainty. Such actors could employ AI to build new surveillance technologies or to create disinformation campaigns. The report points out that data held by government and by citizens attract espionage aimed at confidential or sensitive information. The UK public could also be targeted by state-sponsored campaigns seeking to manipulate opinion or spread disinformation. Even in the short term, the report expects states may use AI for information operations that weaken social cohesion. It sees these technological changes broadening the scope of threats at a time when state threats are growing and diversifying.