When deepfakes go nuclear

The movie “WarGames” highlights the potential risks of incorporating AI into the nuclear weapons sphere, particularly regarding the use of fake data to deceive enemies. Deepfakes, which are AI-generated images or videos that can look astonishingly real, could be used to create deceptive data in the military and intelligence fields. The reliance on AI for analysis and decision-making in the nuclear realm raises concerns about the accuracy and trustworthiness of information. The potential for fakery extends beyond fake data to the manipulation of real data, such as satellite images designed to deceive automated analysis tools. The integration of AI into the nuclear domain is still unclear, but there is a need to address the risks and uncertainties associated with AI in the nuclear weapons sphere. While the idea of fully autonomous nuclear operations is not appealing, AI could play a role in processing real-time data and detecting manipulation. However, AI-based analysis will always be an approximation, and the challenge lies in countering deception and maintaining situational awareness. The distrust of information, both real and fake, could undermine decision-making processes. Ultimately, humans will continue to exercise judgment and play a crucial role in nuclear operations to ensure a certain level of common sense and prevent overreliance on AI.