Policy | 6/24/2025
UN Report Highlights Risks of AI in Terrorism, Warns of Weaponized Technologies
A United Nations report warns that emerging technologies, including self-driving cars and autonomous drones, could be exploited by terrorist groups for attacks. The report emphasizes the need for global governance to prevent the malicious use of artificial intelligence.
UN Report Highlights Risks of AI in Terrorism
A recent report from the United Nations has raised alarms about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by terrorist organizations. The document, titled "Algorithms and Terrorism: The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence for Terrorist Purposes," was jointly published by the UN's Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the UN's Office of Counter-Terrorism. It serves as a warning to the global community regarding the risks associated with the weaponization of emerging technologies.
Key Findings of the Report
The report outlines how advancements in AI, while beneficial in many sectors such as healthcare and transportation, could also lower the barriers for conducting sophisticated attacks. Key points include:
- Autonomous Vehicles: The report highlights the threat posed by self-driving cars, which could be hijacked for terrorist purposes. This technology allows for remote execution of attacks, potentially increasing the frequency and difficulty of prevention for vehicle-ramming incidents.
- Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS): The report discusses the emergence of LAWS, including drones capable of operating independently to identify and eliminate targets. The proliferation of such weapons raises concerns about their accessibility to non-state actors, including terrorists.
Implications for Global Security
The UN emphasizes that terrorists have historically been quick to adopt new technologies, and AI is no exception. The report calls for a proactive international approach to governance to mitigate these risks. It urges the establishment of a legally binding framework by 2026 to ban LAWS that operate without meaningful human control.
UN Secretary-General has described these weapons as "politically unacceptable and morally repugnant," highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing these challenges.
Conclusion
The UN's report serves as a critical reminder of the dual-use nature of AI technologies, which can offer significant societal benefits while also posing serious security threats. As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, the international community must work collaboratively to ensure that the potential for misuse does not overshadow the positive advancements in technology.