New Publication: How Terrorists’ Use of AI Could Disrupt Emergency Response and Investigations

Homeland Security Today

By Daniel E Levenson

October 13, 2026

Just as it has become impossible to escape rampant speculation about how AI (Artificial Intelligence) will affect education, business, healthcare and practically every other aspect of modern life, the role of AI in law enforcement, intelligence, and security has ignited an intense discussion in these fields. While much of the conversation focuses on how law enforcement and intelligence agencies can leverage AI in counter-terrorism, it is equally important to consider potential malicious use of AI by terrorists and how that might impact the initial response to, and investigation of, suspected terrorist incidents. Anticipating likely outcomes and developing effective responses in this space is no mean feat, however. As the technology continues to evolve rapidly and integrate seamlessly into everyday life it has become increasingly difficult to identify and counter emergent threats rooted in malicious use of AI. As a result, it is difficult for stakeholders to formulate consistent and effective plans to detect, deter, and mitigate the impact of AI use by terrorists.

This constantly shifting landscape makes it all the more important that counter-terrorism policymakers, practitioners, and researchers consider and prepare themselves and their organizations for some of the more likely terrorist AI use scenarios. Three of the most pressing concerns are the creation and distribution of misinformation and disinformation, direct use of AI by terrorists, and last but not least, the “Liar’s Dividend.”

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