Hard Fork Tech Grapples With ICE + Casey Tries Clawdbot, a Risky New A.I. Assistant + HatGPT
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Jan 30, 2026 They unpack tech companies’ responses and social platforms’ role after federal killings in Minneapolis. They test a risky open-source AI assistant that runs locally and discuss its security tradeoffs. They riff through rapid-fire news: Amazon layoffs leak, TikTok outages, AI risk essays, privacy leaks, crypto bets, and odd corporate theatrics.
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Tech Firms Power Modern Policing
- Tech companies supply surveillance and social platforms that shape how state power is exercised in protests.
- Kevin Roose and Casey Newton argue infrastructure and platforms amplify government narratives and tactics.
CEO Statements Were Purposefully Measured
- CEOs gave cautious statements about Minneapolis shootings to balance employee pressure and political risk.
- Kevin and Casey note leaders fear retaliation from the White House if they speak more forcefully.
Agencies Build Social Media War Rooms
- Government actors now produce polished social content using in-house media teams.
- Casey highlights ICE's strategy of making clips and steering narratives like a brand.
