Islamic State (IS) has begun using artificial intelligence to recruit British jihadists, prompting fresh concern within UK intelligence agencies about a possible resurgence of the group.
MI5 and MI6 are monitoring how IS is deploying AI as a propaganda tool, including the automated translation and rapid dissemination of extremist material across social media. Officials fear the technology could help the group reach and radicalise a new generation of young Britons, echoing the wave of foreign fighters who travelled to Syria and Iraq at the group’s height in 2014–2015.
Recent months have seen a rise in IS activity in Syria, with small cells carrying out guerrilla-style attacks, while online recruiters push calls for foreign volunteers. Last week, an 18-year-old from south London appeared in court after being arrested at Gatwick Airport, allegedly en route to Syria via Turkey to join IS. He has been charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism.
The UK continues to target IS positions as part of Operation Shader, its long-running mission in Iraq and Syria. In September, a suspected militant was killed in a British missile strike in northern Syria, as London maintains pressure on the group even as the United States winds down its own mission in Iraq.
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