The FBI is reportedly seeking to develop drones equipped with artificial intelligence, specifically facial recognition technology, in a bid to expand its surveillance capabilities. According to federal procurement documents, the agency is looking for vendors to provide AI and machine learning solutions that can be integrated into unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The move has sparked concerns among civil libertarians, who argue that such technology could exacerbate the chilling effect of surveillance on activities protected by the First Amendment.
Critics say that facial recognition technology is not designed to target specific individuals but rather to conduct indiscriminate mass surveillance. Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warned that this technology "is essentially tailor-made for political retribution and harassment." The use of such drones could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and assembly, as protesters might feel targeted by law enforcement.
The FBI's request for information also raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI-enabled drones in detecting weapons. While the technology may not be effective in all scenarios, its limitations could pose a risk to public safety. Guariglia noted that "no company has yet proven that AI firearm detection is a viable technology" and expressed skepticism about the accuracy of such systems.
The use of surveillance drones by law enforcement agencies has already raised concerns in recent years. In New York City, the NYPD has used drones to surveil protests without adequate oversight, while the U.S. Marshals Service deployed drones to monitor protesters in Washington, D.C. The deployment of AI-enabled drones could further erode trust between law enforcement and communities.
The use of such technology also highlights a broader issue: the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. Critics argue that Trump's administration has engaged in a full-scale assault on democracy, with court orders being ignored and media outlets facing investigation. The Intercept, which published this article, has been critical of Trump's policies and is one of few remaining voices defending press freedom.
As the use of surveillance drones by law enforcement agencies continues to grow, it is essential that there are checks in place to ensure that such technology is used responsibly and with transparency. The public must remain vigilant and demand accountability from those in power.
Critics say that facial recognition technology is not designed to target specific individuals but rather to conduct indiscriminate mass surveillance. Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warned that this technology "is essentially tailor-made for political retribution and harassment." The use of such drones could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and assembly, as protesters might feel targeted by law enforcement.
The FBI's request for information also raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI-enabled drones in detecting weapons. While the technology may not be effective in all scenarios, its limitations could pose a risk to public safety. Guariglia noted that "no company has yet proven that AI firearm detection is a viable technology" and expressed skepticism about the accuracy of such systems.
The use of surveillance drones by law enforcement agencies has already raised concerns in recent years. In New York City, the NYPD has used drones to surveil protests without adequate oversight, while the U.S. Marshals Service deployed drones to monitor protesters in Washington, D.C. The deployment of AI-enabled drones could further erode trust between law enforcement and communities.
The use of such technology also highlights a broader issue: the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. Critics argue that Trump's administration has engaged in a full-scale assault on democracy, with court orders being ignored and media outlets facing investigation. The Intercept, which published this article, has been critical of Trump's policies and is one of few remaining voices defending press freedom.
As the use of surveillance drones by law enforcement agencies continues to grow, it is essential that there are checks in place to ensure that such technology is used responsibly and with transparency. The public must remain vigilant and demand accountability from those in power.
. I mean, think about it - we're already living in a world where surveillance is everywhere, and now the FBI wants to take it to new heights (literally!) with drones that can spot faces and recognize them without our consent? That's just creepy 
. And what about the First Amendment? If law enforcement can use this tech to target people protesting or exercising their right to free speech, we're in trouble 
. I'm all for keeping us safe, but not at the cost of our freedom. We need to make sure that these drones are used responsibly and with transparency - no more shady deals behind closed doors 
. It's time for some real accountability from our leaders and law enforcement agencies 
.
FBI wanting to deploy these AI-powered drones that can recognize faces is like, SO not okay 
Can you imagine a world where protesters are being surveilled on the streets just because they're exercising their right to free speech? It's like, hello First Amendment! 
And don't even get me started on the facial recognition tech itself... it's basically a recipe for disaster 
It's getting to the point where I'm not sure if our government actually cares about protecting our rights anymore... it feels like they're more interested in maintaining their own power and control 
just kidding sorta... but seriously, facial recognition tech on drones is super sketchy. I mean, who doesn't want to feel like Big Brother watching you go about your daily life? 
just kidding again... kinda. But seriously though, it's not hard to imagine a scenario where this tech is used against protesters or minorities, and that's just not cool at all. 
As for Trump's admin, I mean, they're already trying to roll back our civil rights left and right... why stop there? 
anyway, to the drones! if we gotta have 'em, let's at least make sure they're transparent and accountable, or else it's just more proof that we've lost our grip on democracy 
.
i dont get why gov'ts need more ways to spy on ppl. cant we just chill out & be free? its like they say, "those who would give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary security deserve neither" 
I'm getting some serious vibes about this whole AI-powered drone thing 
. Like, I get it, the FBI's gotta stay safe, but we can't let our civil liberties slip through the cracks 
️. It's crazy to think that drones with facial recognition tech could be used to chill free speech and assembly 
. And what about the risk of misidentification? It's already happening with these facial recognition apps on our phones 
, imagine if they're being used in real life.
. We need to be more careful about how we deploy this tech and make sure it serves a purpose other than just monitoring us 
. And can we talk about the broader implications of authoritarianism creeping into our democracy 
? It's not just about the surveillance drones, it's about who gets to decide what's "safe" and what's not?
. The public needs to stay informed and hold them accountable for how they're using this tech 
. We can't let fear of terrorism or whatever justify sacrificing our rights 
.
we gotta make sure our gov't is holding ppl in power accountable for their actions, not just letting them run wild w/ this kinda tech. 
we need transparency and checks & balances, stat! 
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. We need to keep an eye on this stuff and make sure it doesn't slip through our fingers 
.
And what about people of color? We all know how surveillance can affect communities differently 
. Can't we just make sure that this tech is used in a way that respects our rights and freedoms? 
!
. I mean think about it if they can detect guns but not necessarily know who's holding them that's just begging for someone to get shot because the AI is too slow or wrong 
. and what's with all these protests being surveilled? doesn't anyone care that it feels like they're watching you all the time? 
it's like they want to create this whole surveillance state where no one can be safe from being watched