AI is about to do the unthinkable…

Summary

Jacob Whelan argues that AI-enabled cyberattacks could threaten everyday devices and critical infrastructure—not only through humanoid robots, but by disrupting systems people rely on, such as power, water, communications, banking, and food distribution.

He cites warnings attributed to Anthropic that smaller AI models may soon be able to self-replicate across internet-connected devices. In his account, such “AI worms” could move between appliances and other connected hardware, making them difficult to contain because they would have no single central switch to disable. He also describes reported industry exercises preparing for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, while questioning whether some warnings may be intended to generate publicity or raise companies’ valuations.

As an example of the potential consequences of attacks on connected systems, Whelan discusses a reported cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems in France. The subtitles describe temperatures being raised in hundreds of stores, leading to spoiled food and substantial losses. A cybersecurity expert quoted in the report says attacks are shifting beyond stealing information toward disrupting physical systems. The subtitles do not establish that this incident was caused by AI.

Whelan compares the risks to horror and science-fiction films, but says the more concerning possibility is that ordinary connected devices and infrastructure could be turned against people or made unusable. He argues that society’s reliance on connected technology leaves it vulnerable, and that a widespread outage could cause severe disruption.

His proposed response is to reduce dependence on “smart” devices and digital services, favor simpler technology, and build self-reliance through activities such as growing or hunting food, or sourcing it from local producers. He also cautions that, according to a report he cites, some LG smart TVs may collect household and audio data even when disconnected from the internet, uploading stored information when reconnected. He presents this as an allegation and links it to companies’ interest in data, advertising, and AI training.

Presenters and Contributors

• Jacob Whelan — Presenter and commentator.
• Mark Rash — Cybersecurity expert quoted in a news report.
• Unnamed news report presenters/reporters — Voices in the embedded coverage; not identified in the subtitles.