NIS Chief warns of national security threats by AI and social media

The Director-General of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji, has raised alarms about the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) by both domestic and foreign actors aiming to destabilize the nation.

Speaking at a forum organized by the National Intelligence Research University (Niru), the NIS boss highlighted the growing dangers of disinformation and misinformation to national security.

“While access to information remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, socioeconomic stability, and interstate relations, propagation of disinformation and misinformation continues to threaten these ideals,” Haji stated.

He linked the spread of false information to the June 2024 Gen Z protests, which began as demonstrations against proposed tax laws but, according to government officials, were infiltrated by political elements seeking to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“The recent developments, particularly Gen Z protests, demonstrated the destabilizing effects of digital activism, which tested our political, economic, and security resilience,” he noted.

The protests led President William Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet and reject the Finance Bill of 2024.

However, security agencies faced accusations of targeting online government critics, with reports of individuals allegedly abducted, arrested, or charged with cyber-related offenses.

The symposium, themed “Towards resilient information ecosystems: Combating disinformation and misinformation for democracy and national security,” focused on strategies to counter false information while safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

Haji emphasized the necessity for Kenya to develop strong policies to address cyberspace vulnerabilities, warning that the rise of digital platforms and AI has enhanced the speed, scale, and precision of disinformation tactics.

“Building robust information ecosystems is not just aspirational; it is a pressing call to action,” he asserted. “Niru is strategically positioned to advance academic knowledge and create an interface for security practitioners and technology experts.”

Haji stressed that combating disinformation requires a coordinated approach to protect national stability while ensuring the country remains committed to democratic principles.