Trust in AI Threatens National Security Responses, VCU Research Shows

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into modern warfare and national security, with applications ranging from surveillance to decision-making in crisis situations. In conflict zones like Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, AI technologies are being deployed, raising ethical concerns about accountability and the potential escalation of violence. A recent study by Dr. Christopher Whyte at Virginia Commonwealth University highlighted a concerning hesitancy among emergency management professionals when facing AI-driven threats, contrasting their confidence in dealing with human or hybrid threats. This trepidation may undermine national security response capabilities as reliance on AI grows. Additionally, a webinar discussed the transformative power of AI in various sectors, emphasizing the need for timely adoption and the risks associated with biased AI models. Experts warn that failing to embrace AI could create a divide between those who are equipped to utilize these technologies and those who are not.