In recent weeks, hundreds of foreign students in the U.S. have received emails from the Department of State informing them that they must leave the country. This “catch and revoke” program is being employed to cancel the visas of students who have engaged in forms of pro-Palestinian activism deemed unacceptable by the government, which can include simply reading or sharing particular types of content on social platforms. This shift indicates a troubling evolution from the time when social media was celebrated as a means to challenge autocratic regimes, to its current role as a tool for mass surveillance and suppression of dissent. Unfortunately, the escalation of free speech violations is being supported by a new breed of zealot: artificial bureaucratic intelligence (ABI).

The Rise of AI Bureaucracy

While ideas surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI) remain speculative, the emergence of ABI seems increasingly tangible. ABI serves as an autonomous mechanism focused on the strict and often mindless execution of administrative tasks. With a significant number of government jobs being cut, there is a push to augment human staff with ABI systems that will act as conduits between the diminishing government function and the populace. ABI is alarming because failure, inefficiency, and arbitrariness are built into the bureaucratic structure it seeks to replace. A famous quote from former Senator Eugene McCarthy is relevant here: “an efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.” ABI’s lack of political motives means it will faithfully execute orders, irrespective of potential negative repercussions.

Potential Misuse and Surveillance Implications

We observe early manifestations of ABI’s capabilities, including initiatives to identify government employees for termination and pinpoint immigrants for deportation, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s reinstatement of the Alien Enemies Act. Vulnerable communities such as LGBTQ+ individuals and women seeking reproductive health information are increasingly targets of high-tech surveillance tactics. While ABI may initially appear focused on specific groups labeled as national security threats, historical trends indicate a broader targeting scope can ensue, affecting a wide range of individuals from labor advocates to marginalized communities. ABI could effectively serve as judge, jury, and executioner, undermining accountability and basic freedoms.

The Role of Data in ABI Functionality

For ABI to operate effectively, it requires substantial data—the very information we generate in our daily lives. There exists a delicate balance between governmental limitations on data collection and the private sector’s rapidly expanding capacity to gather personal data by purchasing it from brokers. Government agencies are acquiring an extensive range of data, from health records to social media interactions, to inform their actions against perceived dissenters. A concerning trend has emerged with the growing potential of private corporations, such as those under the ownership of Elon Musk, to play a pivotal role in governmental data analysis.

The Future of Civil Rights and Rule of Law

The convergence of government and corporate interests raises alarms about the emergence of a social credit system in the U.S., mirroring practices previously ascribed to authoritarian regimes. Historically, data has been used as a tool of governance, but now decisions affecting lives may be increasingly influenced by ABI, operating without discernible criteria, aiming to suppress dissent and perpetuate systemic inequalities. As we chronicle the dismantling of fundamental institutions during the Trump era and work towards rebuilding a more democratic society, it is vital to acknowledge the threat posed by ABI, operating under the guise of efficiency while undermining democratic principles and human rights.

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• AI surveillance
• bureaucratic technology