Power User with Taylor Lorenz
Undercover AI ‘College Protester’ Bots for Cops
May 1, 2025
Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media, delves into the unsettling use of AI by police to create realistic online personas for spying on activists and protesters. He reveals how these covert methods are escalating amid recent student protests and talks about the ethical dilemmas they present. Koebler discusses the implications for civil liberties, the normalization of such surveillance, and offers insights on recognizing these bots in online spaces. A call to action highlights the urgent need for advocacy against these invasive practices.
33:00
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Quick takeaways
- American police are employing AI personas to infiltrate online communities, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.
- The use of AI for surveillance risks targeting peaceful protesters more than actual criminals, thus undermining First Amendment rights.
Deep dives
Surveillance Technology and AI Personas
A company called Massive Blue is creating AI-powered social media profiles for police departments to gather intelligence on a variety of targets including activists and immigrants. This technology allows law enforcement to infiltrate online communities, monitoring conversations and interactions while operating under the guise of normal users. One example of this technology includes using AI personas that can engage with individuals across platforms such as Twitter, Discord, and Instagram, making it increasingly difficult to discern between human and artificial interactions. The implications of this technology raise significant concerns regarding privacy rights and the potential chilling effects on free speech.
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