Terrorists could weaponize driverless cars, warns U.N. report
- The U.N. report discusses the threat posed by hijacked AI-driven vehicles used in terrorist attacks.
- Experts warn that these attacks could occur in the near future as technology advances.
- There is a need for global collaboration to address the risks associated with emerging AI technologies.
In a recent report released by the United Nations, concerns were raised about the potential use of automated vehicles by terrorist organizations. The document outlines how advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning can be exploited to carry out large-scale attacks, specifically using self-driving cars, trucks, and drones. As technology continues to evolve, the likelihood of these vehicles being hijacked by extremists to wreak havoc in densely populated areas has become a significant worry for national security agencies. The report, titled 'Algorithms and Terrorism: The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence for Terrorist Purposes,' serves as an important warning, underscoring that terrorists may not need traditional means like suicide bombers to inflict mass casualties. This shift towards using autonomous vehicles is particularly alarming given the extensive historical use of vehicles in terrorist attacks. The U.N. Office of Counter-Terrorism expressed that the increasing autonomy in vehicles could facilitate remote attacks without putting the assailants at personal risk. Experts in the field, such as William Allchorn from the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute, have voiced their concerns over this emerging threat. Allchorn stated that national security services in the UK need to prepare for the potential of coordinated attacks using hijacked or self-made autonomous vehicles within the next five to ten years. The estimated risk is classified as moderate to high, marking the urgency for proactive security measures. The report calls for a collaborative effort among governments, industries, and the global community to ensure that advancements in AI technology are utilized in ways that promote public safety rather than enabling future threats. It aims to act as a catalyst for discussions around the responsible development of technology, encouraging all stakeholders to curb the malicious use of AI. In summary, the U.N. report highlights a significant concern within the security community regarding the potential misuse of autonomous vehicle technology by terrorists. It serves as a reminder of the continual arms race between advancements in technology and counter-terrorism strategies that must adapt to effectively mitigate these emerging threats.