Bilgesu Erdem
The Department of National Defense of the Philippines recently alerted defense personnel and the military, encompassing 163,000 members, to stay clear of digital apps employing artificial intelligence to produce personalized portraits. The decision stems from the risk these apps could introduce, especially when the nation’s forces are grappling with communist and Muslim insurgencies and are actively defending territories in the disputed South China Sea.
One application under scrutiny requires users to provide a minimum of ten photos. This AI then crafts a digital entity replicating the user’s speech and movement patterns. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pinpointed the risks tied to these applications, mentioning their potential misuse for fabricating deceptive profiles. These can subsequently result in identity thefts, social engineering ploys, phishing assaults, and more.
International Espionage Agencies Echo Similar Concerns
On another front, at the Five Eyes alliance conference held in California, MI5‘s Director General, Ken McCallum, and FBI’s Director, Christopher Wray, both underlined the unprecedented threat level AI introduces, especially for terrorists.
As technology evolves, it is integral to national and economic safety. Yet, the evolving landscape is a double-edged sword. While advancements bolster economic prowess, they simultaneously usher in novel threats. Wray, specifically, highlighted the potential for AI’s misuse in disseminating terrorist propaganda, including its application to mask concerning online searches or to unearth vulnerabilities in AI-constructed infrastructure safety measures.
AI’s capacity to fabricate compelling deepfakes further accentuates the threat, prompting vigilant monitoring by espionage agencies.
Private Sector Partnership Essential in Navigating the AI Maze
Tackling AI’s challenges requires international cooperation, and notably, collaboration with the private sector. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, CEO of Valens Global, seconded this approach, emphasizing the importance of forming ties with local authorities for companies with a global footprint. These connections can range from legal reasons to simply preserving life.
Furthermore, Gartenstein shed light on the limitless potential of generative AI, referencing its capacity to impersonate identities, mimic writing styles, and even voice patterns. AI’s capabilities are vast, from mimicking world leaders to crafting fabricated narratives, posing a question more about what AI can’t do rather than what it can.
The convergence of concerns from international defense sectors underlines the looming threat AI presents. It underscores the dire need for collaborative solutions, safeguarding nations, and ensuring that technology serves the masses while preserving security and privacy.
