‘You want to control your own AI’: Pegasus spyware founder tells governments to push for sovereign AI and national security over reliance on US AI (www.techradar.com)

Shalev Hulio, co-founder of the controversial Pegasus spyware, is advocating for governments to develop their own sovereign AI systems, emphasizing the need for national security and data privacy over reliance on U.S. tech giants. In an interview, he stressed that every government should have its own AI models to mitigate the risks posed by external dependencies, particularly in light of AI being deemed critical infrastructure. His remarks reflect a significant shift from his previous role in commercial spyware development to his current focus on cybersecurity through his new venture, Dream, which aims to provide tailored AI solutions for government needs. Dream offers a suite of products designed to enhance national cybersecurity, including AI-driven systems for vulnerability discovery and bespoke sovereign AI models trained on government-specific data. With a valuation of $3 billion and $400 million in funding, Dream claims to cater to over a dozen countries, addressing escalating cyber threats, including recent incidents of AI-enabled attacks. Hulio's message resonates with governments seeking to ensure data sovereignty and security in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain global landscape, underscoring the growing importance of localized AI capabilities.