Along with robotic dogs and a 2020 Mars mission, artificial intelligence is coming in the near future. Right now, AI can beat you in a game of chess or create an Internet meme, but its capabilities beyond that aren’t too advanced. However, with the rise of Sophia the Robot and state-sponsored AI programs around the world, artificial intelligence is nothing to play around with. As films like ‘I Robot’ and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ have shown us, artificial intelligence can have a sinister side. Now, a scientific report has detailed the dark side of AI in real life.

‘The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence: Forecasting, Prevention, and Mitigation’ was written by 26 authors from 14 institutions. The report explains exactly how AI could lead to the end of the world: including cyberattacks, political intervention, and the use of automatic weapons. Writers met at an Oxford workshop to work on the piece. Among other things, the report explains how terrorists could easily lead attacks using cheap AI that could soon be available. The report concludes that in the next five years attacks will “significantly increase”, although some researchers disagree on just how destructive artificial intelligence can be.

To take a look at the report, head over to the Malicious AI Report website.