December 6, 2023 at 11:41PM
Australia is creating a top-secret cloud for intelligence data, aiming for interoperability with existing US and UK clouds. Andrew Shearer emphasized the transformative potential for intelligence work through instant data sharing. The project underlines the need for shared standards among Five Eyes nations, with AI collaboration seen as imperative, despite reservations about its reliability. Australia also engages with Southeast Asia and aligns with European intelligence priorities.
Meeting Takeaways:
1. Australia is developing a top-secret cloud to host intelligence data, which will be shared with the US and UK, both of which have built similar cloud infrastructures.
2. Andrew Shearer, Australia’s director-general of national intelligence, discussed this cloud project at an event in Washington, DC, hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
3. The cloud initiative will enable interoperability with the existing clouds of the US and UK, allowing for near-instantaneous sharing of sensitive data and collaboration on intelligence work.
4. The initiative aims to transform agency workflows, foster a collaborative community among the intelligence agencies, and leverage combined capabilities to address complex issues.
5. The initiative will also lead to a significant change in data sharing capacity and cooperative working among the intelligence community.
6. It was noted by Shearer that the US and UK are already progressing towards similar cloud-based data-sharing initiatives, and Australia can benefit from their experiences.
7. Shearer highlighted the importance of establishing shared standards for hardware and software among the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, to ensure progress without divergence.
8. AI collaboration is seen as an important area of opportunity and is considered imperative for enhancing existing cooperation among the Five Eyes nations.
9. However, Shearer expressed concerns that security analysts might be hesitant to fully trust AI due to fears of missing vital information and the need for the intelligence community to recognize AI limitations.
10. Collaboration is crucial for understanding AI’s limitations and integrating it effectively into intelligence work.
11. Australia is increasingly collaborating with Southeast Asian nations on intelligence issues, including understanding the impact of climate change.
12. Japan has expressed intentions to make major changes to its intelligence efforts in alignment with Five Eyes goals, which has been met with approval.
13. European powers share many priorities with Australia, such as responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, creating more opportunities for shared intelligence approaches.