MI5, the UK’s domestic security service, has issued a security alert on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, warning researchers and academics to cease work with the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT). MI5 described the organisation as a “significant threat.”
The CAGT, also known as the China General Technology Research Institute, is accused of paying UK academics in sensitive fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity for “research that directly improves MSS technical capability for espionage.” The MSS is China’s Ministry of State Security, its intelligence agency.
MI5 stated that more than 100 academics linked to the UK had contributed to projects funded by the MSS through the CAGT. The areas of interest included AI, cybersecurity, and steganography, which involves embedding hidden data in online pictures.
The alert also highlighted the 2023 National Security Act, which makes it an offence to engage in conduct likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence agency. This warning is expected to affect UK higher education institutions, which have relied on China for funding and collaboration opportunities for years.