AI could have profound effect on way GCHQ works, says director

Jeremy Fleming's comments come as agency endeavours to placate critics of bulk surveillance activities

GCHQ's director has said artificial intelligence software could have a profound impact on the way it operates, from spotting otherwise missed clues to thwart terror plots to better identifying the sources of fake news and computer viruses.

Jeremy Fleming's remarks came as the spy agency prepared to publish a rare paper on Thursday defending its use of machine-learning technology to placate critics concerned about its bulk surveillance activities.