AI could cause a nuclear war by 2040, according to a security think tank

A nuclear war that threatens to wipe out humanity could be brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) as early as 2040, according to security experts. The Rand corporation, a not for profit security think tank based in the US, warned that computers by "mistake or malice" could lead to mankind's untimely end. It argues in a report released yesterday that technological advances could lead to "doomsday AI" - machines that could encourage world leaders to take major risks with their nuclear arsenal. During the cold war the value of "mutually assured destruction (mad)" stopped world powers firing nuclear weapons, as to do so would lead to a devastating retaliation. But according to RAND, improved AI as well as more sensor and open source data could convince countries that their opponents' nuclear capabilities are vulnerable, leading them to take drastic action.