The UK is turning to artificial intelligence to reduce the risk of data leaks caused by human error.
The Ministry of Defence has chosen technology from Australian firm Castlepoint Systems to help curb accidental disclosures and improve handling of sensitive documents.
Under the initiative, the company’s Explainable AI tool will be deployed to scan documents and emails across military networks in real-time, flagging sensitive content and applying automated safeguards to reduce mistakes when managing large datasets.
Unlike traditional tools that detect only simple data points like names or credit card numbers, the AI tool will use rule-based analysis to classify complex content, including references to explosives or military positions.
It can also review older records with missing or outdated labels, adjust classifications as needed, and update markings to ensure sensitive data remains properly protected.
“Recommendations are fully traceable to specific matches, aligned with the organization’s unique risk profile. This makes the classification process transparent, explainable, and contestable, meeting the highest standards of Ethical AI,” the company stated.
Incidents Highlight Risks
The move follows a 2022 incident in which a British soldier accidentally sent a spreadsheet containing personal information about members of the Special Air Service and Secret Intelligence Service agents to Afghan contacts involved in relocation programs.
According to The Guardian, the document included far more data than intended, covering names of UK officials and thousands of Afghans seeking resettlement after the Taliban takeover.
UK news outlets have reported that the breach was one of 49 security incidents recorded by London over the past four years, though only four were publicly disclosed.
While Explainable AI aims to reduce the risk of leaks stemming from human error, cybersecurity officials have warned that expanding AI use could create new vulnerabilities and advised against rapid adoption without safeguards.
