Law Enforcement Monitoring Online Criticism of AI Data Centers

A confidential bulletin from the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center indicates that law enforcement is monitoring individuals who criticize artificial intelligence data centers on social media. The report, which was shared among police agencies, suggests that there is a perceived risk of violence against these facilities from individuals labeled as 'domestic violent extremists.' The bulletin cites a lack of specific threats but warns that planned data centers in the Philadelphia area could become targets for protests. It references various social media posts, some of which express extreme views against AI, including calls to 'burn down' data centers. Civil rights lawyer Paul Hetznecker expressed concern over the classification of AI critics as potential terrorists, stating that such characterizations could undermine legitimate political discourse. The report also highlights a broader trend of law enforcement scrutiny on anti-tech sentiments, as evidenced by recent warnings from other intelligence agencies regarding 'anti-tech extremism.'