Militant Groups Are Experimenting With AI, and the Risks Are Expected to Grow

Militant groups are experimenting with AI, with officials warning that the risks will grow as the technology becomes cheaper and more powerful. AI can help them pump out propaganda or deepfakes at scale, aiding recruitment and spreading disinformation across social media. Pro-Islamic State supporters have urged making AI part of operations, while experts note IS has used AI to translate messages and create deepfake audio in multiple languages.

Researchers at SITE Intelligence Group say such groups have previously released AI-crafted images of the Israel–Hamas war and a recent incident claimed by an IS affiliate saw AI-influenced propaganda videos circulated to recruit followers. Analysts warn that hackers are already using synthetic audio and video for phishing and that AI could assist in writing malicious code or automating aspects of cyberattacks, with the Homeland Threat Assessment flagging the possibility of biological or chemical weapon production.

According to Associated Press, lawmakers have floated proposals to improve information sharing about how AI products are used by bad actors, and training workshops on AI have been held for IS and al‑Qaida supporters.