US law enforcement targets 'anti-tech extremism' amid AI backlash
Federal intelligence agencies and domestic law enforcement, including the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and fusion centers, are circulating reports identifying anti-technology extremists as a new domestic threat. Over 1,000 pages of unpublished reports obtained by WIRED reveal a national shift to surveil this broad category. This follows President Donald Trump's National Security Presidential Memo 7, which directs the Department of Justice to target those with 'anti-American,' 'anti-Christian,' and 'anti-capitalism' beliefs. Trump's counterterrorism czar Sebastian Gorka released a public counterterrorism strategy claiming left-wing extremists are among the top three counterterrorism priorities. The warnings come amid attacks on CEOs, a nationwide protest movement targeting data centers, and growing concerns about AI job replacement.
Key facts
- Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies are circulating reports on anti-technology extremists as a new domestic threat.
- Over 1,000 pages of unpublished reports from DHS, FBI, and fusion centers were obtained by WIRED.
- The effort follows President Donald Trump's National Security Presidential Memo 7 targeting 'anti-American,' 'anti-Christian,' and 'anti-capitalism' beliefs.
- Sebastian Gorka, Trump's counterterrorism czar, released a public counterterrorism strategy prioritizing left-wing extremists.
- Attacks on CEOs, protests targeting data centers, and concerns about AI job replacement are cited as context.
- The category of 'anti-tech extremism' is described as worryingly broad.
- The reports indicate a national shift in surveillance priorities.
- The strategy is part of a broader counterterrorism framework under the current administration.
Entities
Institutions
- Department of Homeland Security
- FBI
- WIRED
- Department of Justice
- White House
Locations
- United States