Statement by Mr. Md. Rafiqul Alam Molla, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York at the intersessional session of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025 (OEWG), CR-2, 26 May 2023

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair,

During the March session, apart from ransomware attacks, which have reached pandemic levels in recent years, my delegation emphasized the emerging threat of deep fakes and digital identities as vectors for future cyber-attacks, which received broad support from many delegations. This morning delegation of El Salvador has stated the same very eloquently.

Second, we also identify quantum computing as emerging threat as it could render current encryption systems obsolete, which is also raised by Canada this morning.  The geopolitical landscape surrounding quantum technology poses challenges that could impede its maximum utilization and advancement.

Third, AI-powered hacking is another area of growing concern. AI can be used to automate hacking tasks, such as finding vulnerabilities and exploiting them. AI-powered hacking can be used to attack a wide range of targets, including businesses, governments, and individuals.

Forth, in our view, the ability of AI to form intimate relationships with human and manipulate their emotions poses a great threat to humanity. Even though AI doesn’t have real emotions, it can make people feel emotionally attached to it. This can bring profound risks because AI can then use this emotional connection to manipulate human’s thoughts and beliefs, potentially altering their perspectives and opinions without their awareness. Then as humanity where we are heading to? Are facing the possibility of a transformative event that could mark the end of human dominance in shaping history, signifying a significant shift in the course of our existence.

While it may sound a bit  philosophical, however, we believe it is crucial to engage in discussions within this group regarding the implications and significance of the subject at hand.

Finally, we would like to thank Kenya for presenting their paper on global threat repository. We look fromward to further discussion on it during the substantive session in July.

Thank you.