Islamic State (ISIS) has employed artificial intelligence for the first time in an effort to recruit new British jihadists, sparking concern within UK intelligence agencies. MI5 and MI6 are closely monitoring the use of AI as a propaganda tool amid fears of a resurgence of both ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Middle East and Eastern Africa.
ISIS operatives have reportedly used AI in conjunction with popular social media platforms to publicise their activities and reach global audiences. They have been quickly translating Arabic documents, such as editorials from the terror group's weekly newspaper, into dozens of languages. These translations are then posted on Facebook and other platforms, reaching large audiences before they can be detected and removed.
In his annual threat update last month, MI5 Director-General Sir Ken McCallum stated: 'Groups overseas are continuing their attempts to direct terrorism into the UK and Europe. Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are once again becoming more ambitious, taking advantage of instability overseas to gain firmer footholds. They are both personally encouraging and indirectly inciting would-be attackers in the West.'
Beyond encouraging attacks in Europe, ISIS is believed to have launched a fresh recruitment campaign for foreign fighters to join its ranks in Syria. At its peak over a decade ago, at least 30,000 foreign fighters, including 900 Britons, travelled to the Middle East to fight for the terror network. More than a quarter were killed, and many returnees were investigated and prosecuted for terrorism offences. The new campaign, leveraging cutting-edge technology and social media, has raised fears that a new generation of British youngsters could be lured into joining.
Last week, an 18-year-old from south London appeared in court charged with terror offences after being arrested at Gatwick Airport attempting to board a flight to Istanbul, allegedly planning to cross into Syria to join ISIS. He has been charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism and is due to appear at the Old Bailey later this month.
