AI must be viewed as a valuable tool to support senior national
security decision makers in Government and intelligence
organisations, according to the findings of a new independent
report commissioned by government.
Published today, the new report reiterates the potential for AI
to make transformational improvements in intelligence analysis by
supporting analysts to process data more quickly and accurately,
helping keep the UK safer.
The report also finds that the use of AI has the potential to
exacerbate dimensions of uncertainty inherent in intelligence
analysis and assessment, suggesting additional guidance for those
using AI within national security decision-making is necessary.
With the huge growth of data available for analysis, AI can be
used to handle the administrative tasks of data processing as
well as to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies beyond human
capability. The report authors state that not utilising the
technology would be a missed opportunity and could undermine the
value of intelligence assessments.
Jointly commissioned by the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO)
and Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ), and authored by
The Alan Turing Institute's Centre for Emerging Technology and
Security (CETaS), the report also considers how both the risks
and benefits of AI-enriched intelligence should be communicated
to senior decision-makers in national security.
Whilst shining a light on its significant potential, the report
highlights the importance of using AI for intelligence
assessments safely and responsibly, with continuous monitoring
and evaluation involving both human judgement and AI
recommendations to help counteract biases.
The report suggests additional training and guidance for
strategic decision-makers to help them understand the new
uncertainties introduced by AI-enriched intelligence.
Additional recommendations include upskilling intelligence
analysts, and strategic national security decision makers,
including Director Generals, Permanent Secretaries and Ministers,
and their staff to build trust in the new technology.
This report follows action already taken by government to ensure
the UK is leading the world in the adoption of AI tools across
the public sector, as set out in the Deputy Prime Minister's
recent speech at Imperial College on AI for Public Good.
For example, Government has already begun this work through its
Generative AI Framework for HMG, which provides guidance for
those working in government on using generative AI safely
and securely.
The Deputy Prime Minister said:
We are already taking decisive action to ensure we harness AI
safely and effectively, including hosting the inaugural AI Safety
Summit and the recent signing of our AI Compact at the Summit for
Democracy in South Korea.
We will carefully consider the findings of this report to inform
national security decision makers to make the best use of AI in
their work protecting the country.
Dr Alexander Babuta, Director of The Alan Turing Institute's
Centre for Emerging Technology and Security said:
Our research has found that AI is a critical tool for the
intelligence analysis and assessment community. But it also
introduces new dimensions of uncertainty, which must be
effectively communicated to those making high-stakes decisions
based on AI-enriched insights. As the national institute for AI,
we will continue to support the UK intelligence community with
independent, evidence-based research, to maximise the many
opportunities that AI offers to help keep the country safe.
Anne Keast-Butler, Director GCHQ said:
AI is not new to GCHQ or the intelligence assessment community,
but the accelerating pace of change is. In an increasingly
contested and volatile world, we need to continue to exploit AI
to identify threats and emerging risks, alongside our important
contribution to ensuring AI safety and security.
