Global security faces significant challenges due to the widespread misuse of technological advancements. Among the various tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing - or the dual use-nature 3D printing -technologies are widely exploited by terrorist groups for malicious purposes. The current part (1) of this article series discusses the potential threats posed by Generative AI in the context of extremist groups. The following lines provide an overview of AI.
Generative AI Technology
The United Nations International Crime and justice Research Institute (UNICRI) highlights that Generative AI global market is expected to exceed 100 billion dollars by 2025[1], as AI stands out as one of the most emerging technologies of our time. AI is closely related to some technological concepts, such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and image recognition[2]. While AI has undeniable benefits, expanding into numerous fields, such as medicine, crime prevention and security, economics, communications, health care (including its role in accelerating the development of some COVID-19 vaccines), and robotics, some new technologies uses may “inspire anxiety and even fear. They can be used to malicious ends or have unintended negative consequences” as the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, asserted in 2018[3].
AI Potential Threats
Despite its benefits, research into the malicious applications or the dark side of AI is still in its early stages. Terrorist groups, to a certain degree, which traditionally relied on low-tech weapons, have increasingly adopted new technologies, particularly AI, which has become a powerful tool for their operations. This gives way to terrorists to use AI applications, promoting and spreading their ideologies, radicalizing individuals, and conducting new operations through cross-border, unmonitored systems in a faster and more efficient manner[4]. AI is no longer limited to a select group of technology experts; it is increasingly getting more accessible (what is known as Technology Democratization)[5] to the extent of emergence of service providers facilitating almost any cybercrime, a phenomenon known as Crime-as-a-Service[6].
Generative AI technology facilitates a range of (violent) extremist operations, including physical threats, such as autonomous bomb vehicles, drones equipped with facial recognition, genetically targeted bio-weapons, and audio deepfakes for financial manipulation. Additionally, they enable cyber/online threats, including password guessing, CAPTCHA breaking, encryption/decryption techniques, and exploiting virtual currency (crypto-trading). Terrorist groups also use these technologies for propaganda purposes via recruiting, securing funding, and ideological outreaching. Their ideological propaganda include tactics such as deepfakes and other forms of manipulated content, the creation of online fake identities, and human impersonation on social networking platforms, and the production of morphed passports. Terrorist groups adopt a brain-washing strategy called (awful but lawful)[7].
One of the primary malicious uses of AI by terrorist groups is sophisticated propaganda. The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point reported that terrorists groups can easily generate fake content and chatter on social networks to recruit and radicalize new members, especially youth, while further propagating their ideologies. Generative AI can also enable terrorists to create fake or imaginary users to collect donations and fund new terrorist operations[8].
This is why many experts are deeply concerned about how far-right supporters use AI to generate anti-Muslim materials, including false narratives and disinformation; e. g., images or videos that incorporate class or gender-based propaganda - a common characteristic of extremist groups. These materials are circulated online to attack Muslims, with 2024 witnessing an increase cases in attacks on migrants. In this context, many experts emphasize that disinformation has become a key strategy in targeting victims[9].
DNA synthesis and AI
One area of concern is DNA synthesis. Currently, providers voluntarily screen their customers. However, with the rapid advancements in AI, synthesizers can create devices that enable research labs to print precise DNA without the need for special equipment. In this scenario, small groups or even individuals would have access to capabilities were once restricted to governments or advanced research labs, potentially resulting in the creation of pandemics like COVID-19, or even more devastating outcome[10].
Nuclear Terrorism and AI
Another significant concern is nuclear terrorism; terrorist groups might acquire nuclear or radiological materials, producing nuclear weapons, dirty bombs, or attacking nuclear facilities through AI technologies. In response to such threats, there should be a global effort to improve nuclear security, as the release or theft of radiological materials could endanger millions of people. In this regard, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should play a crucial role. The Nuclear Threat Initiative’s Nuclear Security Index asserts that, “countries are not well prepared to protect their nuclear facilities against cyber-attacks, which may be an attractive option for terrorists and hackers, …[as well as] state-sponsored cyber-attacks.” [11]
Having discussed the main potential threats of AI Part 1 of this article series, Part 2 - to be published soon -will explore the threats of 3D-printed improvised firearms. It will also delve into the other aspects, such as its history, types, legality, and more. Recommendations are also provided.