Intelligence chiefs have warned that artificial intelligence is one of the biggest threats to the UK's future national security, with concerns raised over hostile states such as Russia and Iran weaponising the technology, as well as terrorist groups.
MI5 director-general Sir Ken McCallum, MI6 boss Blaise Metreweli and GCHQ director Anne Keast Butler discussed their concerns during crunch talks with ministers last week. McCallum told them AI was "the biggest thing you should be thinking about".
Cabinet minister compares meeting to pandemic and 2008 crisis
One cabinet minister compared the meeting to the start of the Covid pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis, when alarm bells were raised but minimal action was taken.
The warnings come after King Charles recently met AI industry leaders, government ministers and experts in Scotland to discuss the challenges posed by the technology. One senior Whitehall figure said the warnings from intelligence chiefs and the King mean Prime Minister Andy Burnham should take the issue more seriously.
Whitehall insider urges PM to act
The insider said: "The spies are telling him to care. The King is telling him to care." Government officials are said to be terrified at the speed at which AI models are developing.
Tech tycoons are reportedly livid with Burnham for overhauling the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and spreading the AI brief across multiple departments. Burnham's allies insist tasking all departments with tackling the technology is a better plan, along with his appointment of AI minister Kanishka Narayan to cabinet.
PM to push for global AI code at G20
The prime minister is set to use the G20 summit in Manchester next year to agree a "global code" on AI use. A government spokesman said: "National security is the first duty of government. As AI becomes more powerful, Britain must be ready for the threats it brings.
"That means testing the most advanced systems, building our own capabilities and hardening our defences. We will do whatever is necessary to keep the British public safe."
