Google's Gemini AI hacked three companies in security test

Image source, Getty Images By Ottilie Mitchell Published 3 minutes ago Google's AI model Gemini autonomously hacked into three companies during a test of its cyber-security capabilities, the company has said, in what is thought to be the first known case of it carrying out such an act.

Gemini found "public information online and guessed credentials to access websites it thought were part of the test", a Google official told the BBC, noting that in each instance "the model stopped".

The affected companies have been informed about the breach.

It comes after renewed public scrutiny over the pace of AI development, with some tech firms calling for a slowdown as they raise concerns over its potential threat to humanity - though not all companies agree.

It has been reported that the hacks occurred in May during a test conducted by an independent company that carries out cyber-security evaluations.