CANBERRA, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the speed at which people can be radicalized or manipulated online.
Sandra Booth, acting deputy commissioner of National Security Investigations at the Australian Federal Police (AFP), told a parliamentary inquiry into AI on Wednesday that youth radicalization and manipulation is one of the greatest challenges the agency has ever faced.
She told the inquiry that radicalizing or manipulating individuals online used to take months or years, but now it is happening within days in some cases.
"This can be attributed to artificial intelligence, a growing grievance generation, young people searching for purpose and belonging, and the sophistication of these online networks," Booth said.
"While technology and AI bring many opportunities to society, including for law enforcement agencies, the AFP is deeply concerned AI is accelerating and lowering the skills required to actively manipulate and radicalize victims online, and cause serious harm."
The bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into AI was established in August to examine the opportunities and risks presented by the emerging technology.
Booth told the committee that, without serious intervention, Australia's mental health, education, finance and judicial systems could be overwhelmed by younger generations and vulnerable people who are repeatedly victimized.
"Manipulation and the grievances criminals fuel can cause distrust in communities and fray our social fabric," she said.
The inquiry will release its final report by the end of November. ■
