US firm alerts WeChat to AI hacking tool

A US security firm has alerted Chinese tech giant Tencent about a potentially devastating AI-powered hacking tool in its super-app WeChat. The AI model identified a worm that could hijack WeChat accounts and spread automatically through victims' contacts. Security company Calif discovered the vulnerability and informed Tencent, which promptly fixed the issue.

This incident highlights the growing cyber capabilities and risks associated with advanced AI technology and underscores the importance of global conversations around AI and cybersecurity. As US-China talks on AI are reportedly planned for later this month, experts believe that concerns about safety could serve as a good starting point for discussions.

Brief written by urgent.news from Semafor's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.