Isis has used artificial intelligence for the first time in a bid to recruit new British jihadists.

The terrorist group’s successful deployment of AI to try and attract new followers has caused alarm inside the UK’s intelligence agencies. Both MI5 and MI6 are monitoring the use of AI as a propaganda weapon amid growing fears of a resurgence of both Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Middle East and Eastern Africa.

ISIS operatives have reportedly used technology in conjunction with popular social media platforms to publicise its activities and reach global audiences. They have been quickly translating Arabic documents – such as editorials in the terror group’s weekly newspaper – into dozens of other languages.

These are then posted on Facebook and other social media platforms, quickly reaching large audiences before they can be spotted and removed, The Daily Telegraph reported. In his annual threat update, delivered last month, Sir Ken McCallum, MI5’s director-general, said: “Groups overseas are continuing their attempts to direct terrorism into the UK and Europe.

“Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are once again becoming more ambitious, taking advantage of instability overseas to gain firmer footholds. They are both personally encouraging and indirectly inciting would-be attackers in the West.”

But as well as using technology to encourage and direct terror attacks in Europe, IS is believed to have launched a fresh recruitment campaign for foreign fighters to join its ranks in Syria.

At its height more than a decade ago, at least 30,000 foreign fighters, including 900 Britons, travelled to the Middle East to fight for the Islamist terror network. More than a quarter were killed and many of those who attempted to return were investigated and prosecuted for terrorism offences.

But a fresh recruitment campaign, using cutting-edge technology and social media to spread the message, has fuelled fears that a new generation of British youngsters could be lured into joining up.

Last week, a teenager from south London appeared in court charged with terror offences after he was arrested at Gatwick Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Istanbul in Turkey.

The 18-year-old was allegedly planning to cross the border into Syria and then join up with IS fighters there. He has been charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism and is due to appear at the Old Bailey later this month.

ISIS using artificial intelligence to recruit Brits as MI5 and MI6 monitor AI use – The Mirror