China's research in artificial intelligence 'far outranks' Huawei threat, expert says

Experts are warning of the threat posed by China's use of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a survellience state, and say the risk of such authoritarian behaviour spreading to other parts of the world is increasing. While Chinese technology company Huawei is making daily headlines at the moment, Greg Austin, professor of cyber security, strategy and diplomacy at the University of New South Wales, said there were more pressing concerns. "If I were asked which was the bigger threat from China to the West, is it Huawei or is it their research on artificial intelligence I would say it's their research on artificial intelligence," Professor Austin said. "That far outranks any of the concerns that we have from what Huawei might do in terms of foreign espionage." Huawei has been banned from taking part in the rollout of 5G mobile technology in Australia over national security concerns and has faced similar restrictions in other countries.