China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has underscored the escalating threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) security, cautioning that its latent risks are poised to reshape the national security landscape in the near future. Despite the rapid advancements in AI technologies, presenting vast opportunities across sectors like finance, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, the MSS contends that it concurrently heightens the risks of data theft, cyber-attacks, economic security vulnerabilities, “data poisoning,” and military security concerns.
According to an article released by the MSS on Thursday, AI possesses the potential to facilitate the theft of substantial volumes of sensitive information, empowering hackers to launch targeted and covert attacks against specific targets with ease, irrespective of time and location. Recognizing AI as an “efficient substitute” for human labor, the MSS underscores its potential impact on national economic security, social security, and even political security.
The MSS elucidated on the concept of “data poisoning,” describing it as the injection of malicious data into AI training datasets, disrupting the normal functioning of data analysis models. As an illustration, the MSS pointed out instances of “data poisoning” affecting intelligent automotive systems, leading to traffic accidents, or influencing public sentiment negatively through media channels.
Additionally, the MSS warned about the utilization of AI in Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAW), emphasizing its role in concealing the origin of attackers through autonomous target recognition and remote automated operations. This technology could enhance the precision of military actions, clarify objectives, and broaden the range of strikes by interconnecting networks, decision-makers, and operators.
National security officials stress the imperative need to bolster technological and digital empowerment to effectively address these risks and seize the strategic initiative in AI development. The MSS advocates for the establishment of clearer laws and regulations to ensure individual privacy and data security, urging companies and individuals in the AI industry to heighten their security awareness consciously. Emphasizing international information exchanges and technology cooperation, the MSS highlights the importance of a collaborative approach.
In late October, China initiated the Global AI Governance Initiative, embodying an open, inclusive, and equitable approach to the development, security, and governance of emerging artificial intelligence technologies and services.