False AI alert almost led the United States to intercept Chinese ship

Segundo a station americana, which cites four unidentified sources aware of the case, the information services of the united states mistakenly concluded that the vessel carried components associated with nuclear weapons, leading the military to prepare an intercept operation.

The operation was eventually cancelled after it was found that a conversational AI system used by an analyst had incorrectly identified the cargo transported by the ship.

One of the sources cited by CNN stated that the information report was “completely false”, but that “it was close to triggering a war.” The television network has revealed neither the cargo content nor the destination of the vessel.

Contacted by the France-Presse agency, the US military authorities did not react immediately to the news.

The case arises at a time when alerts on the risks associated with the use of AI are multiplied, in particular in sensitive areas such as defence and national security.

Despite these concerns, US President Donald Trump and several members of the presidential majority have advocated a less restrictive approach to AI regulation, arguing that an excess of limitations may favor China in the technological race.

Also on Friday, the political news portal revealed a distinct incident involving US military material and China.

According to the publication, several pieces of F-35 stealth combat aircraft, including a cockpit cover, were diverted to Hong Kong during a transport operation and are currently missing, raising fears that sensitive US technology may have fallen into Beijing's hands.

The parts had been sent from Australia to the United States for repair when the deviation occurred, and the reasons for the change of course and the current location of the material were unknown.

Questioned by Politico, Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the F-35, refused to comment on details of the operation for safety reasons, but ensured compliance with all U.S. standards regarding the transport of aeronautical components.

The company also ensured that it implements strict security measures to protect the integrity of the F-35 programme and the security of the allied countries involved.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced on Friday the ban on access to the White House for various media, including CNN and Politico.

The President justified the decision with what he classified as a constant coverage of “fake news”, without indicating what information he considered incorrect.