AI to ‘exacerbate’ national security threats, national plan warns

A government plan warns that AI will increase national security challenges the country already faces and “create new and unknown threats.”

Labor will launch its National Artificial Intelligence Plan on Tuesday, which will guide Australia’s adoption of technology as it transforms the global economy.

Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres, backed by a $29.9 million commitment to establish the AI ​​Security Institute in early 2026, said the plan was “about ensuring technology serves Australians, not the other way around”.

“This plan focuses on seizing the economic opportunities of AI, sharing its benefits broadly and keeping Australians safe as the technology advances,” Senator Ayres said.

He said AI “will help close gaps in essential services, improve education and employment outcomes, and create good-paying jobs in the industries of the future.”

“Guided by the plan, the government will ensure that AI delivers real and tangible benefits for all Australians,” he said.

“As technology continues to evolve, we will continue to develop and strengthen this plan to seize new opportunities and act decisively to keep Australians safe.”

While big tech and governments promise that AI will usher in a new era of economic growth, national security experts are sounding the alarm about the potential weaponization of AI, including by state-sponsored actors.

The plan states that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and law enforcement will “proactively mitigate the most serious risks posed by artificial intelligence.”

Keeping Australians safe also means recognizing that AI could worsen existing national security risks and create new and unknown threats, the plan says.

“To keep Australians safe, the government is taking proactive steps to prepare for any potential AI-related incident.”

Supporting Australia’s “sovereign AI” capability is part of the answer, according to the plan.

As part of protecting against malicious actors, Australia will develop GovAI as “a centralized AI hosting service that provides agencies with a secure, Australia-based platform to develop customized AI solutions at a low cost.”

“Locally developed models can provide benefits such as reflecting unique cultural context or language, supporting innovation, and reducing risks related to data security,” the plan says.

“The government is supporting local capacity by making significant investments in autonomous AI for the public service.

Another part of its “proactive” approach is leading international discussions around the rules.

“Shaping the global governance of artificial intelligence is vital to Australia’s economic prosperity and national security,” the plan says.

“Australia can use its role as a responsible middle power to embed our values ​​of security, transparency and inclusion into international AI norms and standards.”