Posted on December 3, 2018 at 3:53 PM
Chief of MI6 Wants to Bring Spying to A New Level
In a recent announcement, chief of the MI6, Alex Younger — also known as “C” — expressed the urgency of bringing the new era of spying. According to him, it is necessary to improve the current methods by including AI and robotics in order to combat rogue states that might pose a threat to the UK.
Younger addressed this necessity during his second public speech in four years during which he has held this position. While his speeches are rare, this one is especially memorable due to his claims that the fourth generation of espionage must commence in order to keep the UK safe. He continued to emphasize how important it is to make the security ties between Britain and the European allies stronger prior to Brexit.
To make his point, the MI6 boss reminded everyone that the co-operation of intelligence agencies is the only reason why “multiple” Islamic State-inspired incidents and attacks in Europe were prevented.
MI6 chief makes concerning predictions
The speech was held at St Andrew’s University, where Younger himself studied, in front of students. He stressed out that Britain is currently lacking in modern technology, which the country’s “adversaries” already possess. As a result, it is entirely possible, according to him, that said adversaries might take advantage of that fact, and launch an attack using cyber technology.
Younger was also very open in his statement that Russia is known for “malign behavior”, and he claims that the Kremlin ordered Sergei Skripal’s assassination. According to him, Skripal, who was formerly a Russian military intelligence colonel, also spied on behalf of MI6. This is why he was assassinated through the use of a nerve agent that was smeared on the front door handle of his home.
Comments such as these are expected to only increase concerns of those at the highest level. These concerns mostly revolve around bypassing or completely breaking the rules that guarantee international order. Most likely to bend the rules are currently believed to be the US President Donald Trump, The crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, as well as Vladimir Putin.
The MI6 wants a new generation of spies
Younger continued his speech by stating that the new era of industrial revolution requires the new generation of modern espionage. Due to the advances in technology, it is now entirely possible to mix traditional skills of humans with possibilities granted by accelerated innovation. With a proper mindset and new partnerships, Younger believes that this can be achieved.
The fourth industrial revolution, that came after the digital revolution which brought the age of the internet, can bring significant changes, as well as new methods of using robotics, the AI, nanotechnology, quantum computing, and more.
Finally, Younger urged Russia, as well as other states that plan to subvert the British way of life, not to underestimate the capabilities and determination of the country and its allies. He ended his statement by saying that there is a need for a new generation of young spies that will come from different backgrounds. He is interested in speaking to those who have never seen themselves as MI6 members, no matter where they are from. All those who think that they can make a difference, and are willing to do so, were invited to step forward.
