The Michael Shermer Show A Former Spy Explains How AI is Changing Espionage
12 snips
Nov 4, 2025 Anthony Vinci, a former senior intelligence officer and the first CTO of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, shares insights on how AI is reshaping espionage amidst rising global tensions. He discusses the challenges intelligence faces today, including data overload, modern surveillance techniques, and the impact of generative AI like ChatGPT. Vinci also reflects on past intelligence failures, influences of authoritarian regimes, and the vital role civilians play in the intelligence landscape as personal data becomes a target. His expertise sheds light on the future of global security.
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Life As A Case Officer
- Anthony Vinci describes being a case officer who recruits local sources and then spends hours writing reports back at the office.
- He emphasizes everyday bureaucracy like expense reports alongside the fieldwork glamour.
Four Waves Of Intelligence
- Vinci frames intelligence revolutions by adversary and tech: OSS, CIA/Cold War, post‑9/11, and now AI with China as the main rival.
- He argues AI changes collection, analysis, and introduces new risks like fakes and surprise tech breakthroughs.
Data Overload Necessitated AI
- The post‑9/11 era created data overload from commercial sensors and internet sources that humans couldn't analyze.
- Vinci says AI became necessary to process vast imagery and signals at scale.
