Experts Warn North Korea Is Using AI Nefarious Purposes

In a world where technological advancements are shaping the landscape of national security and warfare, the usage of AI for surveillance and military applications is a significant cause for concern. Recent research sheds light on North Korea’s efforts to harness AI despite facing international sanctions.

Hyuk Kim of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California emphasizes the importance of monitoring activities related to AI and implementing measures to mitigate potential sanctions risks within the academic and private sectors.

South Korea’s state intelligence agency has identified a surge in hacking attempts, with North Korea accounting for the majority. The country’s pursuit of AI technologies for wargaming simulation programs and collaborations with foreign scholars raises concerns about the leakage of sensitive knowledge about AI across borders.

The international community should be prepared to address the threat posed by state actors obtaining new AI resources and know-how through technologies like cloud computing services. The need for proactive engagement with cloud computing service providers and academic/professional associations is paramount to safeguard against potential risks arising from North Korea’s AI development efforts.