MI5 chief warns AI could pose future security risks, but dismisses “Hollywood doom”

/in /tarafından

The head of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has warned that artificial intelligence systems acting independently of human oversight could one day pose serious national security challenges — though he dismissed notions of a “Terminator”-style apocalypse.

In his annual speech on national threats, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said that while AI is already being used to strengthen British security operations, it is also being exploited by terrorists, hostile states, and cybercriminals. He said AI tools are helping adversaries spread propaganda, conduct reconnaissance, and manipulate elections.

“But in 2025, while contending with today’s threats, we also need to scope out the next frontier: potential future risks from non-human, autonomous AI systems which may evade human oversight and control,” McCallum said.

He emphasized that his warning was not a prediction of science-fiction-style catastrophe, but a call for preparedness as AI technology rapidly evolves. “Given the risk of hype and scare-mongering, I will choose my words carefully. I am not forecasting Hollywood movie scenarios,” he noted.

McCallum added that while AI may never intentionally mean harm, ignoring its potential dangers would be “reckless.” MI5 and other intelligence agencies are studying the long-term implications of increasingly autonomous systems.

The remarks reflect a broader debate within global intelligence and tech circles about balancing the benefits of AI innovation with the risks of automation and loss of control over powerful systems.

India’s Wipro tops quarterly revenue estimates on strong Asia and Americas growth

/in /tarafından

Indian IT major Wipro Ltd. posted stronger-than-expected results for the July–September quarter, supported by solid performance in its Asia-Pacific and Americas communications divisions and a healthy pipeline of large contracts.

The Bengaluru-based company reported a 1.8% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue to 226.97 billion rupees ($2.58 billion), slightly above analysts’ estimates of 226.90 billion rupees, according to LSEG data. Wipro said it expects revenue growth between -0.5% and 1.5% for the current quarter, in line with market expectations, implying revenue of $2.59–$2.64 billion.

Net profit for the quarter rose 1.2% to 32.46 billion rupees, just below the forecast of 33.01 billion rupees. Among its major markets, Asia Pacific led growth at 3.1%, followed by Americas One at 0.5%, while other segments saw moderate momentum.

Wipro benefited from securing two mega deals worth over $500 million each — one with the UK’s Phoenix Group and another with a U.S.-based telecom provider — making it the only top-five Indian IT company to achieve two such contracts this fiscal year.

The company’s total deal bookings reached $4.69 billion, down from $5 billion in the previous quarter but up significantly from $3.6 billion a year earlier.

Peers Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCLTech also exceeded revenue forecasts earlier this month, citing stronger demand in the second half of the fiscal year, signaling a broad recovery for India’s IT services sector.

German drone startup Quantum nears €150 million funding round, set to triple valuation

/in /tarafından

German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems is nearing completion of a €150 million ($175 million) funding round that could triple its valuation to €3 billion, according to a report from Manager Magazin. The surge in investor interest follows heightened demand for drone defense technologies amid rising security incidents at airports and critical infrastructure sites.

Quantum’s latest model, the “Jaeger”, is specifically designed to intercept and neutralize hostile drones, addressing growing threats linked to unauthorized aerial activity — some of which European authorities suspect may be part of hybrid warfare efforts by Russia.

The Munich-based startup plans to use the fresh capital to expand through acquisitions of smaller technology firms and startups, strengthening its technological edge in autonomous flight, sensor integration, and drone countermeasures.

According to Manager Magazin, Quantum expects revenues of €300 million in 2025, rising to over €500 million in 2026, and is already planning a second, larger funding round in 2026 that could push its valuation up to €5 billion.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems has quickly become one of Europe’s leading drone technology firms, supplying military, defense, and security agencies. The company did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

The report coincides with Germany’s decision to grant police new authority to shoot down rogue drones, a move reflecting growing concerns over drone-related disruptions at European airports.