Google's Gemini AI hacked three companies in security test

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 were informed about the breaches, which happened in May.

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

Why are there concerns AI could threaten humanity, and how real are they?

The hacks first reported by the Wall Street Journal, occurred in May during a test conducted by Irregular, an independent company that carries out cyber-security evaluations.

In statement to the BBC on Saturday, Irregular said it informed Google and all affected entities back in July as part of its investigation.

"Irregular took immediate action, and all known issues on our end were remedied and resolved weeks ago," it added.