Why MI6 is banning future spies from using AI in job tests

Prospective spies applying for secret work at MI6 have been banned from using AI in the final stages of the recruitment process.

The UK’s foreign spy agency is seeking to recruit tech-savvy officers but this does not extend to the later phase of the rigorous selection procedure.  

The software can be used to improve application forms  — provided that it gives an ‘accurate presentation’ and does not explicitly mention MI6, MI5 or intelligence.

However, applicants have to sign a declaration saying they will not use AI in the later online tests, which have to be undertaken ‘without any third-party assistance’. 

Prospective Intelligence Officers are nevertheless told that the service ‘is looking for candidates keen to embrace new technologies.’ 

The shift at one of the UK’s most secretive public bodies can be revealed after AI was assessed as ‘incredibly important in intelligence analysis’ by the government. 

The huge volume of information to sift through as a result of the profusion of electronic systems such as drones, satellites and open sources has brought the tool into play where otherwise millions of analysts would be required. 

The use of AI in cutting-edged military systems — including one named ‘Deep Thought’ — has previously been revealed in a list of armed forces’ project headings obtained by Metro.

Concerted cyber-attacks by hostile states including Russia and China also press home the need for the UK to be at the forefront of new technology. 

Successful applicants for the roles at the foreign intelligence service will no doubt have these threats high on their radar as they gather secret information from across the world.  

As well as online tools, the ‘fascinating and diverse role’ will involve ‘everyday skills’, according to MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service. Face-to-face interaction is still a critical part of the work to keep the UK safe, candidates are told.

Officers assigned to work on cases might ‘meet a contact for a chat in a cafe to brief them on an intelligence requirement or debrief them if they have intelligence for you.’ 

Dr Shweta Singh, assistant professor of information systems and management at Warwick Business School, said:  â€˜By leveraging AI, MI6 can enhance its capabilities in intelligence gathering and surveillance as AI can sift through vast amounts of data from intercepted communications, social media, and other digital sources, identifying patterns or anomalies that could indicate suspicious activity or threats.

‘Moreover, AI can aid in threat detection via facial recognition techniques to identify persons of interest in public places, airports, or on surveillance footage, even when individuals try to disguise themselves.  

‘Next, MI6 can benefit from some of the ingenious AI capabilities, which can help in identifying digital espionage efforts from adversaries and support surveillance through autonomous AI-powered drones among others.’ 

However, Dr Singh highlighted the role that humans still play in gathering information critical to the national interest.  

‘Interestingly, the ban on AI in the online tests shows that the UK Security Services are still placing importance on original thinking, aptitude, creativity and decision-making without software,’ she said.  

‘There are no doubt many circumstances relating to national security where critical decisions need to be made by humans alone.’ 

The government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has said that millions of intelligence analysts would be required to sift through the data available at any point time, so they ‘need AI to give them some help.’  

However, MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore has emphasised that humans will remain at the centre of intelligence gathering despite the use of powerful data analysis systems.  

In July 2023, he said that despite the proliferation of AI, ‘there will be even greater value in landing, with a well-cast fly, the secrets that lie beyond the reach of its nets.’ 

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