Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

Cross-cutting themes were derived from a survey of 10 recent cases showing how malicious actors exploit artificial intelligence (AI)—including chatbots, generative media, and AI‑assisted weapons—to enable violence, fraud, harassment, and influence operations. Researchers conducted comparative case studies that describe what happened, how AI was used, why it worked, and what practitioners should do. Important findings include that generative AI has sharply lowered barriers to propaganda, social engineering, and weapon generation; women and public figures are disproportionately targeted by deepfakes; state and non‑state actors use AI to manipulate voters; and semi‑autonomous systems raise ethical and accountability concerns. The work informs concrete mitigation steps for DHS operators across counterterrorism, cyber, election security, and victim protection.

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