Intel’s severe privacy breach should be the company’s downfall

Over the years, Intel has been one of the most influential companies in the semiconductor field, developing some of the most advanced chips for computers, servers, and mobile devices. However, recent reports have pointed to the company’s connection with intelligence services from various nations, particularly the NSA from the United States, which could involve a serious vulnerability in its products. Since the early 2000s, the company has been accused of allowing unauthorized access to its processors by spy agencies, risking global security for users. At the heart of these accusations is Intel’s Integrated Management Engine (IME), a platform built into its processors that allows remote management of devices, even when they are powered off. While originally marketed as a tool for optimising network administration and ensuring device maintenance, it has now been revealed that IME contains a backdoor that could, in theory, be used for clandestine access. This remote oversight ability has raised suspicions about its use for spying purposes, enabling external actors, such as the NSA, to gain entry into systems without the user’s knowledge. The severity of these concerns intensifies when one considers the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Intel’s modern processors. Developments in AI have been a major area of investment for the company, with chips specifically designed to handle machine learning algorithms and process large-scale data. However, these advancements might have a darker side. The AI linked to these processors can be used not only to enhance device efficiency but also to carry out global surveillance by analysing patterns of behaviour, online interactions, and personal data on a massive scale. Original Article: