THE POTENTIAL EXPLOITATION OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE BY TERRORISTS AND VIOLENT EXTREMISTS

Abstract

This paper will analyze how and to what extent terrorists and violent extremists
have interacted with generative artificial intelligence so far and identify potential
ways in which they could misuse generative AI in the future. It is therefore necessary
to question assumptions that terrorist and violent extremist actors will quickly adopt
generative AI solely based on an assessment of the capabilities it may offer. Although
research has shown that technological capability and availability are key drivers of terrorist
innovation, terrorist and violent extremist actors also assess any new technology
on its compatibility (with both their modus operandi and ideology), relative complexity,
cost, and the context in which they are operating. Understanding these factors, both in
isolation and in relation to one another, will be a key aspect in monitoring the extent to
which terrorists and violent extremists adopt generative AI tools. In doing so, the paper
will seek to identify a likely trajectory for the abuse of this technology by terrorist actors
as well as conclude with some initial recommendations for policymakers.