Whether in healthcare, finance, or education, AI is becoming increasingly common nowadays. AI has accelerated the transformation by introducing new technologies and weapons in terrorist activities. AI has not only advanced the weaponry of terrorist organisations, but it has also provided tools for generating propaganda videos without leaving any trace of recognition. Over the past decade, AI has been increasingly used to address terrorism. Studies have shown that the internet has become a key instrument for online radicalisation and recruitment of youngsters. Due to AI, terrorist organisations have marked a shift from training camps to digital radicalisation. This evolving landscape introduces a new concept of “digital shadow wars.” Unlike traditional warfare, these digital shadow wars have characteristics like invisibility and deniability. These characteristics are now often used by terrorist organisations to carry out their operations covertly. This new form of terrorism is known as “Terrorism 2.0,” characterised by both traditional and modern techniques.Emerging TechnologiesUsed by Terrorist OrganisationsThe following are some emergingtechnologies used in terrorist activities:AI-Based SystemsFor spreading propaganda and misinformation, AI is becoming a reliable tool for advancing extremist agendas. According to the United Nations Counterterrorism Office, misuse of AI, especially in terrorism, is posing a great security challenge. Terrorists are actively using and learning AI tools for digital propaganda and to expand their networks without being recognised. Tools like chatbots provide a pathway for terrorists to have conversations with an unknown identity. Those chats enable leadership to easily recruit young people without meeting in person. The Islamic State of Iran and Syria (ISIS) frequently uses AI tools, and they also have a digital department for teaching machine learning to young lads. AI has transformed the nature of organised terrorism by enabling sophisticated online operations.Deepfake EcosystemsDeepfake ecosystems are used to create fake videos, images, and voice notes to misinform or distort the situation. INTERPOL has warned about the threats of deepfakes in cybercrime. These fake videos manipulate public perception because they are difficult to recognise as AI-generated. Before they are recognised, the video goes viral in public, and the public narrative is manipulated. These deepfakes are emerging as a major global risk, as they have highlighted how synthesised media can destabilise societies without any loss of terrorist fighters.Swarm Drone MicrosystemsThe Australian Army Research Centre notes that drones have changed asymmetric warfare by reducing cost. Drones are cheap and easily available; due to this, many terrorist organisations use drone technology. Swarm drones are frequently used by terrorists due to their low costs and flexibility. They are small-sized drones that can be used anywhere without being easily detected on radar.This technology includes multiple uses of small drones. One of its types is the mothership drone, which contains many small drones within it. During war, this one drone serves the functions of multiple drones. Due to their cheap cost and availability, many terrorist organisations used them. Recently, it was found that TTP now has access to quadcopters, and ISIS has gained access to many swarm drones. The West Point Counterterrorism Centre says it is “drone jihadism.”Quantum-Inspired EncryptionQuantum-inspired encryption is the next generation of cryptographic algorithms that will protect data against threats from quantum computers. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) highlights the importance of post-quantum cryptography for securing sensitive information against decryption risks.On the one hand, it strengthens cybersecurity; on the other, it poses a threat to national security, as this technology can be used by non-state actors for secure communications. Improved encryption techniques make it harder to monitor potential malicious activity and may enable hidden networks to be more covert.The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) stresses that quantum-safe cryptography will play a key role in future cybersecurity systems, and that monitoring encrypted environments will also be a challenge.Brain-Computer Interface ExploitationA brain-computer interface is a neurotechnology that enables communication between the human brain and digital devices. DARPA has invested in projects that promote neurotechnology to enhance communication systems. Initially, neurotechnology was used in medical rehabilitation, but now this technology has shown vulnerabilities as terrorist organisations are using it for their operations. Terrorists can read the thoughts of a person and can use that data to brainwash him. This leads to privacy concerns for an individual, boosting psychological warfare.New Weapons in Digital Shadow WarsThe following are some of the major weapons that terrorist organisations are using in the age of artificial intelligence:Cyber-Physical Hybrid WeaponsIt refers to a system where digital mechanisms destroy the physical infrastructure. It can include any virus that can be installed on the military’s sensitive systems, hack or leak data, and disrupt energy grids and communication infrastructure. The most significant advantage of this technology is that the attack can be carried out without any soldiers present. The Stuxnet cyber weapon is an example of a hybrid weapon that was used to target Iran’s nuclear facilities. Although this technology is not used by any terrorist organisation, ISIS has attempted basic cyber operations, so it is possible that in the near future, ISIS will have access to cyber-physical hybrid weapons, which is a great security concern.AI-Guided Autonomous Explosive SystemsThis technology combines AI and weaponry. Many missiles and drones are designed to incorporate AI. This system reduces human control once activated, and all procedures, from targeting to attack, are performed by artificial intelligence. Terrorists use advanced drones and lethal munitions. Still, they lack access to AI-based weapons due to their high cost.
