According to cybersecurity expert Ian Hogarth, robots driven by artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to attack the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and cause disruption on a scale comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hogarth, a member of the U.K.’s AI task force, warns that the advancing technology of AI could enable an attack capable of crippling the NHS or even carrying out a “biological attack.”

Hogarth highlights the rapid pace at which AI is improving and asserts that this progress will lower barriers to perpetrating cyber attacks and crimes. His AI task force has received £100 million in government funding, with its current focus on safety research that could lead to the development of useful tools similar to ChatGPT.

The U.K. “AI tsar” emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in mitigating the risks associated with AI. Hogarth maintains that involving countries like China in these discussions is crucial, especially in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He likens the need for collaboration in managing AI risks to that of addressing global pandemics.

Hogarth points out that while the tech industry is increasingly focused on AI, this heightened attention has both accelerated technological advancements and underscored the potential dangers. He references the WannaCry cyberattack on the NHS in 2017, which resulted in the cancellation of thousands of patient appointments and significant financial costs. Hogarth cautions that the rapid progress of AI technology could make such attacks even more accessible.

In summary, the growth of AI technology poses potential risks to the UK’s National Health Service, including the possibility of disruptive attacks and biological threats. It is essential for countries worldwide, including China, to collaborate on managing these risks. While AI advancements offer significant benefits, they also raise concerns about cybersecurity and national security. The interdisciplinary approach is crucial in addressing these challenges.

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Definitions:
– Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
– National Health Service (NHS): A publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom.
– Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks and unauthorized access.

Sources:
– Daily Star (source article): No URL provided
– Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images: No URL provided
– iStock: No URL provided
– Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images: No URL provided