"Sometimes a fixation on the most dangerous threats can lead you to overlook the most probable dangers, like being so worried about an asteroid impact that you walk around staring at the sky… and then fall into an open manhole." These words, attributed to Ryan Brobst, deputy director of the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), highlight a pressing concern regarding the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in terrorist attacks.
The Growing Threat of AI-Enabled Terrorism
The American government and AI industry are focusing on preventing the most potentially disastrous abuses of AI, such as helping terrorists build weapons of mass destruction. However, this focus might overlook the more probable danger of terrorists using AI to stage more effective conventional attacks. Terrorists already kill thousands every year with conventional guns and explosives, and AI could significantly enhance their capabilities.
Evidence suggests that terrorist groups, including ISIS, are actively exploring AI tools to enhance their operations. ISIS has circulated a "Guide to AI Tools and Risks" to its supporters and provides in-person AI training. While the most common use so far is AI-generated propaganda, ISIS operatives also have consulted AI for help in homebrewing bombs and designing remote-controlled vehicles to deliver them. A recent study found that Nigeria-based Boko Haram is using AI "in attack planning, weapons troubleshooting, and the design of explosive devices."
Recent Incidents and Concerns
Recent incidents demonstrate the growing concern of AI-enabled terrorism. The January 2025 Las Vegas Cybertruck bombing is believed to be the first known incident in which ChatGPT was used to build an explosive device. In February 2026, a Canadian school shooter allegedly consulted ChatGPT before carrying out a deadly attack. These incidents highlight the potential for AI to enhance the lethality of terrorist attacks.
The difference in lethality between attacks, such as the Boston Marathon bombing (5 killed) and the Oklahoma City bombing (168 killed), is largely a result of differences in knowledge, planning, and logistics, all of which AI can assist with. The Oklahoma City bombing, for instance, involved a relatively complex improvised explosive device, which required sourcing and assembling materials. The terrorists learned how to do this from their military training, survivalist and weapons manuals, and a novel, The Turner Diaries. In comparison, the Boston Marathon bombers assembled much smaller and rudimentary weapons, using instructions from al-Qaeda's Inspire magazine.
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End the scrambleAddressing the Threat
To address the threat of AI-enabled terrorism, frontier AI labs should assign conventional threats a similar level of importance as CBRN threats. This would require hiring experts in terrorism and conventional weapons systems alongside CBRN specialists. It would also necessitate a thorough risk review, ensuring that the probability of threats is considered, not just their magnitude.
Additionally, frontier AI labs should cooperate with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to proactively identify accounts used for illicit activities. Strengthening prompt safeguards surrounding conventional weapons systems, particularly with regards to translating technical and operational manuals and designing replacement components, is also crucial.
What this means for Frontier AI Labs, Law Enforcement, and the General Public
For frontier AI labs, addressing the threat of AI-enabled terrorism will require a shift in focus towards conventional threats and cooperation with law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will need to proactively identify and disrupt terrorist activities that utilize AI. The general public should be aware of the potential risks of AI-enabled terrorism and the importance of addressing these threats to prevent devastating attacks.
A failure to address the threat of AI-enabled terrorism could create waves of fear and anti-tech backlash that spread far beyond the physical damage inflicted. It is essential that frontier AI labs, law enforcement, and the government work together to prevent the misuse of AI in terrorist attacks.
