- AI “revolutionising many parts of life – including national security” – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to say
- New Laboratory for AI Security Research that will partner with world-leading experts from UK universities, the intelligence agencies and industry to boost Britain’s cyber resilience and support growth launched by government
- New research will receive around £8m of initial government funding, with industry encouraged to invest in the partnership to support future research.
“NATO needs to continue to adapt to the world of AI, because as the tech evolves, the threat evolves”, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will tell the NATO Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House on Monday.
To help the UK stay ahead in the “new AI arms race” the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will announce a new Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) to protect the UK and its allies against new threats, saying:
The lab will pull together world-class industry, academic and government experts to assess the impact of AI on our national security.
While AI can amplify existing cyber threats, it can also create better cyber defence tools and presents opportunities for intelligence agencies to collect, analyse, and produce more useful intelligence.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research will employ a ‘catalytic’ model, receiving an initial £8.22m round of government funding, inviting further investment and collaboration from industry.
Partners will include the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), National Cyber Security Centre, the MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Alan Turing Institute, the AI Safety Institute, the University of Oxford, Queen’s University Belfast and Plexal. The laboratory will seek collaboration with like-minded partners, starting with the Five Eyes countries and NATO allies.
Addressing cyber and defence experts, he will say that:
Cyber war is now a daily reality. One where our defences are constantly being tested. The extent of the threat must be matched by the strength of our resolve to combat it and to protect our citizens and systems. 75 years after its foundation, it is clear we need NATO more than ever.
NATO has stayed relevant over the last seven decades by constantly adapting to new threats. It has navigated the worlds of nuclear proliferation and militant nationalism. The move from cold warfare to drone warfare.
The gathering is the second ever NATO Cyber Defence Conference and the first to be held in London. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will caution:
AI is already revolutionising many parts of life – including national security. But as we develop this technology, there’s a danger it could be weaponised against us. Because our adversaries are also looking at how to use AI on the physical and cyber battlefield.
And he will say:
Be in no doubt: the United Kingdom and others in this room are watching Russia. We know exactly what they are doing, and we are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.
We know from history that appeasing dictators engaged in aggression against their neighbours only encourages them. Britain learned long ago the importance of standing strong in the face of such actions.
That’s why we support Ukraine in its fight to decide its own destiny. Putin is a man who wants destruction, not peace. He is trying to deter our support for Ukraine with his threats. He will not be successful.
He will also reflect that:
Last year, we saw the US for the first time publicly call out a state for using AI to aid its malicious cyber activity. In this case it was North Korea who had attempted to use AI to accelerate its malware development and scan for cybersecurity gaps it could exploit. North Korea is the first, but it won’t be the last.
Alongside the new laboratory, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will also announce a new £1m incident response project to share expertise so that allies can respond to cyber incidents more effectively.
Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, will also attend the conference at Lancaster House. He said:
AI has enormous potential. To ensure it remains a force for good in the world, we need to understand its threats and its opportunities.
Today we have launched a new, world-leading research lab to enhance AI security to ensure the UK and our allies reap the benefits of AI, while detecting, disrupting and deterring adversaries who would use it to undermine our national security and economic prosperity.
LASR builds on the UK’s position as the global birthplace of modern computing, following the pioneering legacy of Alan Turing. It is part of the government’s wider work to improve the UK’s cyber defences and grow the economy, which includes the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and recent designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure.
How can the LASR effectively address the ethical concerns surrounding the “weaponisation” of AI while simultaneously fostering innovation and international cooperation in the AI security domain?
## Navigating the AI Revolution: An Interview on National Security and Cyber Resilience
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the pressing issues shaping our world. Today, we’re discussing the critical intersection of artificial intelligence, national security, and cyber resilience, spurred by recent announcements from the UK government. To guide us through this complex landscape, we have two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Emily Carter**, a leading expert in AI ethics and security, and author of “The Algorithmic Battlefield: Navigating the Risks of AI Warfare”.
* **Major General David Thompson (Retired)**, former head of cyber operations at NATO, with extensive experience in international security and cyber defense.
**Section 1: Threat Assessment: The Evolving AI Landscape**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, in your book, “The Algorithmic Battlefield”, you paint a stark picture of the potential dangers posed by AI in warfare. Could you elaborate on how the nature of the threat is evolving, particularly in light of the Chancellor’s statement about a new “AI arms race”?
**(Dr. Carter)**
…
**Host:** Major General Thompson, from your perspective at NATO, have you witnessed a tangible shift in the way adversaries are leveraging AI for cyberattacks and information warfare? How concerned should we be about the speed of this development?
**(Major General Thompson)**
…
**Section 2: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: The Role of the LASR**
**Host:** The UK government has announced the creation of the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), aiming to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies. Dr. Carter, how crucial is this type of collaborative approach in mitigating the risks associated with AI while harnessing its potential benefits?
**(Dr. Carter)**
…
**Host:** Major General Thompson, LASR is being positioned as a platform for international cooperation, particularly with the Five Eyes and NATO allies. How effective do you believe these partnerships will be in keeping pace with the global AI arms race? Are there any potential pitfalls to consider in such collaborations?
**(Major General Thompson)**
…
**Section 3: Ethical Considerations and the Future of Warfare**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, the Chancellor mentioned the “weaponisation” of AI. What are the most pressing ethical concerns you see emerging in this context? How do we ensure AI development remains aligned with human values and international norms?
**(Dr. Carter)**
…
**Host:** Major General Thompson, looking towards the future, do you believe AI will fundamentally alter the nature of warfare? If so, how can we prepare for these changes, both militarily and diplomatically?
**(Major General Thompson)**
…
**Closing:**
Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. The conversation about AI and national security is only beginning, and it’s crucial we continue to engage in open and critical dialog as this technology continues to evolve.
We hope this discussion has sparked your thinking about the complex issues surrounding AI. Please join us next time on World Today News for more in-depth analysis of the events shaping our world.
