Key Takeaways
- A group in Yemen tried to use Anthropic’s Claude AI to develop guided rockets and missiles.
- Anthropic banned the relevant accounts as soon as it detected the illegal activity.
- The group is likely to involve the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen.
Anthropic, a leading US artificial intelligence firm, has revealed that a group in Yemen attempted to use its Claude chatbot to develop guided rockets and missiles. The revelation comes amid a wide-ranging offensive by Iran-backed Houthi rebels across the country.
In a report published on Thursday, Anthropic detailed the illegal use of its AI technology. The firm identified a cell of threat actors based in northern Yemen, operating three weapons development programs. These included a guided rocket, a multi-stage ballistic missile, and a multi-variant missile, which included a hypersonic glide vehicle variant.
According to Anthropic, the group used Claude to develop guidance, navigation, and control software for the airborne weapons, which would have otherwise required a team of engineers. While the company does not have evidence that the actors succeeded in fielding an operational device, they did test-fire a guided rocket, which failed.
Anthropic stated that it banned the relevant accounts as soon as it detected the illegal activity. The firm did not identify the actors in question, but it is likely that the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, are involved.
The revelation is significant as the Houthi rebels have launched a wide-ranging offensive across the country, aiming to control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait, which connects Europe to Asia. On Friday, the Houthis claimed control of a Red Sea island in the middle of the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, completing their push to control the area.
Anthropic also reported that it broke up attempts to use its Claude models to develop biological weapons and carry out a suspected Russia-linked cyber espionage campaign against Ukraine. The firm accused Chinese competitors of hacking attempts aimed at extracting Claude’s capabilities.
Two Anthropic researchers warned this week that rapidly progressing artificial intelligence could lead to the extinction of the human race in the not-too-distant future. The firm’s report highlights the potential misuse of AI technology by threat actors in conflict zones.
The incident underscores the growing concern over the use of AI in military and weapons development, particularly in regions of conflict. It also highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of AI technologies to prevent such illegal activities.
