Malicious use of Artificial Intelligence (MUAI): l’uso malevolo dell’intelligenza artificiale nell’ecosistema cyber-sociale

Abstract

The emergence and evolution of Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence (MUAI) represents a paradigm shift in cyber-deviant and cybercriminal behaviour in terms of complexity, sophistication and speed of diffusion among the various categories of actors in the cyber-social ecosystem. The adoption of AI tools and technologies is changing the very nature of threats to public and national security, introducing new risks and vulnerabilities. MUAI can be used to generate highly realistic synthetic messages, profiles and users, contributing to the continuous expansion of the bot universe. This also makes it possible to collect and analyse massive amounts of interactions and personal data on social media platforms, allowing for the creation of personalised and difficult-to-detect attacks. This enables operations of influence, interference and meddling in the public sphere, especially in the political, economic and social spheres.