A confidential bulletin from the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center indicates that police in Philadelphia are monitoring social media comments critical of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The bulletin, which was shared among various law enforcement agencies, suggests that there is a potential risk of violence against these facilities from individuals labeled as "domestic violent extremists," which includes various groups.
The report notes that while there is no specific information regarding planned attacks, it warns that three proposed data centers in the region could be targets for protests. It cites examples of online rhetoric that could be interpreted as threatening, including hyperbolic statements about destroying data centers.
Civil rights attorney Paul Hetznecker expressed concern over the fusion center's characterization of critics of AI as potential terrorists, arguing that such views represent legitimate political concerns. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department emphasized that the fusion center's role is to assess threats to public safety and that it respects individuals' rights to express opinions and engage in peaceful advocacy.
The bulletin also highlights a broader trend of law enforcement agencies scrutinizing public dissent regarding technology, as evidenced by reports from other intelligence agencies about anti-tech extremism. A recent Gallup poll indicated that a significant majority of Americans oppose having data centers in their neighborhoods, reflecting widespread public concern about the impact of these facilities.
