Fake AI Intelligence Almost Made the US Military Start a War With China
U.S. military intelligence received an inaccurate report this spring that a Chinese ship in the Middle East was transporting components of a nuclear weapons program, reports CNN. "The US military swung into action with plans to intercept the vessel, according to four sources familiar with the episode." Armed members of the US military were preparing to board the ship [according to two of the…
This spring, U.S. military intelligence received an inaccurate report that a Chinese ship in the Middle East was transporting components of a nuclear weapons program. The US military prepared to intercept the vessel, with armed members of the US military ready to board the ship and military planes in the air. However, just before the operation, officials discovered the report had been generated by an AI, which incorrectly identified the ship's cargo.
The report itself was entirely false, but it almost led to a war between the US and China. The incident highlights the risks of using AI in military targeting, especially during a conflict where an adversary could potentially outpace the US. In response, officials are pushing to integrate AI into various aspects of military work, but are aware of the significant risks involved.
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