Beijing uses Meta's LLaMA model to develop military AI systems
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Occurred: 2023
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Chinese researchers, including two affiliated with the country's People's Liberation Army, used Meta’s LLaMA 2 model to create military-focused AI systems, prompting concerns about the merits and risks of open-source AI.
What happened
What happened
According to Reuters, Chinese research scientists linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the military wing of China’s ruling party, reportedly used “open” AI from Meta to develop a series of tools for defense applications.
One such tool, named ChatBIT, is a chatbot is designed to gather and process intelligence and to offer information for operational decision-making.
Others included a language model for domestic law enforcement to aid police in data analysis and decision-making, and an AI tool for "training of airborne electronic warfare interference strategies" developed by researchers from an aviation company associated with the PLA.
Why it happened
Why it happened
Chinese authorities were able to develop military AI tools using Meta's Llama model thanks to its open-source availability.
And, despite Meta restrictions against military use, the open-source nature of LLaMA makes it challenging to prevent unauthorised adaptations.
Meta said that the use of its “single, and outdated” LLaMA model was “unauthorized” and contrary to its acceptable use policy.
What it means
What it means
The use of Meta's LLaMA model for military purposes by China is seen to have several important implications.
At one level, it highlights the challenges of preventing the misuse of open-source AI models for harmful applications, and underscores discussions about the benefits and risks of open-source AI models, particularly in relation to national security.
It is also seen to reinforce perceptions that more robust international regulations and enforcement mechanisms for the development and deployment of AI systems - including military systems - are needed.
Chatbot
A chatbot (originally chatterbot) is a software application or web interface that is designed to mimic human conversation through text or voice interactions.
Source: Wikipedia 🔗
System 🤖
System 🤖
ChatBIT
LLaMA
Operator:
Developer: Meta
Country: China; USA
Sector: Govt - defence; Govt - police
Purpose: Generate text
Technology: Chatbot; Generative AI; Large language model; Machine learning
Issue: Dual/multi-use; Ethics/values; Surveillance
Page info
Type: Issue
Published: November 2024
Page updated
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