Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The article identifies the main risks and threats related to national and international psychological security (PS) in BRICS countries (particularly China, India, and Russia) and posed by the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI). The main methods of research are systemic, scenario, and case analyses. The authors maintain that PS threats, both national and international, created by the malicious use of AI should be considered at three levels. At the first level, a false negative image of AI is spread. The second level of PS threats is directly related to the malicious use of AI (MUAI), but an attack on public consciousness is not its main goal. The MUAI designed primarily to cause psychological damage belongs to the third, and highest, level of PS threats. Synthetic AI products (combining a number of technologies, which can increase the damage from their hacking or malicious use) create a whole range of new risks and threats to BRICS countries. The reorientation of commercial AI systems, the malicious use of deepfakes and chatbots, the use of bots to set agendas, deranking, and AI phishing technologies also pose a threat. The main methods of destructive impact through MUAI are illustrated by the examples China, India, and Russia. BRICS policy documents state readiness for joint action against the MUAI. At this point bilateral agreements play the leading role in the development of AI cooperation of BRICS member states, but their declarations clearly state the intention to join forces against the misuse of information and communications technology (ICT). National regulation pertaining to AI and efforts to counter its malicious use are still at the fledgling stage in most countries. This makes it all the more important for each of the BRICS member states to develop international cooperation and share experience. BRICS’s potential in this sphere is still very far from being fully tapped.