Five Eyes talks focus on AI security in Sydney

Five Eyes homeland and security ministers focused on artificial intelligence at talks in Sydney on Wednesday, discussing how to use the technology against terrorism, drug smuggling, scams and organised crime.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the talks included US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, Britain's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and New Zealand Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.

Burke told reporters that AI's growing capacity to cause harm had dominated the meeting. He said the group discussed how to use AI across threat areas including counter-terrorism, drug smuggling, scam centres and organised crime.

The ministers also watched a display of aerial and maritime drones. Australia has described the drones as part of efforts to improve surveillance of vessels along its remote northern coast.