Hoe een AI-suggestie leidde tot lek van gevoelige militaire informatie uit Witte Huis | De Morgen

AI-Generated Leak of Military Information

A journalist from The Atlantic gained access to a secure Signal chat group used by top U.S. officials, including the Vice President, Defense Secretary, and CIA Director, to discuss a planned attack on the Houthis in Yemen.

Initially, the White House downplayed the incident. However, The Atlantic later released transcripts confirming the leak included details about the timing and sequence of planned military strikes.

Role of AI Suggestion

An investigation revealed that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added the journalist to the group due to an AI suggestion on his iPhone. The AI incorrectly associated the journalist's phone number with a former Trump spokesperson, resulting in the accidental addition.

Waltz's iPhone used an AI feature to suggest adding a contact based on a detected link between a number and an existing contact. This resulted in the journalist receiving an invitation to the Signal group.

Consequences and Aftermath

President Trump considered firing Waltz but ultimately decided against it. The White House acknowledged the use of Signal, citing a lack of secure, non-commercial alternatives.

• The leak revealed sensitive information about the planned attack, potentially giving the Houthis an advantage.
• The incident highlighted the risks of using AI-powered features on personal devices for sensitive government communication.
• President Trump's support for Waltz despite the controversy suggests a lack of consequences for the security breach.