Malicious use of artificial intelligence and threats to Iran’s psychological security: a multi-level reality

In the context of international tensions, socio-political instability and conflicts, the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies poses a mounting threat to the psychological security of society and, as a consequence, to political, social, economic, cultural processes and functioning of state and non-state institutions. Iran is no exemption. Scientific and technological development is intertwined with the issues of political stability and external pressure, and the risks associated with the malicious use of AI (MUAI) are of particular importance. MUAI is understood here as intentionally antisocial activity of state and non-state actors. The authors consider the threats of MUAI to psychological security through the prism of a three-level classification: from the spread of misconceptions about AI and the consequences of its development, threats to the critical infrastructure, physical health and human life, to psychological operations that pose a serious risk to Iran. This classification allows structuring the risks and highlighting key trends that require priority attention from government institutions and security experts. Special attention is paid to the use of machine learning algorithms and natural language processing systems to create fake messages and images that can be used in anti-government propaganda. Moreover, the authors analyze the impact of malicious use of AI technologies on religious and cultural aspects of Iranian society, especially relevant for a state based on traditional values. The authors emphasize that the malicious impact on traditional institutions can lead to the undermining of social balance, thereby posing risks to the long-term stability of the state.