Federal Agencies Identify Anti-Technology Extremists as a New Domestic Threat
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Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies are now targeting anti-technology extremists as a new domestic threat. This follows attacks on CEOs, nationwide protests against data centers, and concerns about AI-driven job displacement. The development coincides with a new public counterterrorism strategy that lists left-wing extremists as a top priority.
Facts First
- Federal agencies are circulating reports on anti-technology extremists as a new domestic target.
- The targeting follows attacks on CEOs and a nationwide protest movement against data centers.
- WIRED obtained over 1,000 pages of unpublished reports from the DHS, FBI, and fusion centers.
- A new public counterterrorism strategy identifies left-wing extremists as a top priority.
- President Trump issued a memo instructing the DOJ to target individuals with certain 'anti-American' beliefs.
What Happened
Federal intelligence agencies and domestic law enforcement are circulating reports that identify anti-technology extremists as a new domestic target. This development follows a series of attacks on CEOs, a nationwide protest movement targeting data centers, and public concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing jobs. WIRED obtained more than 1,000 pages of unpublished reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI, and fusion centers. Separately, President Donald Trump issued National Security Presidential Memo 7, which instructs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target individuals holding 'anti-American,' 'anti-Christian,' and 'anti-capitalism' beliefs. Earlier this month, counterterrorism czar Sebastian Gorka released a public counterterrorism strategy that identifies left-wing extremists as one of the three top counterterrorism priorities facing the United States.
Why this Matters to You
This shift in federal focus could affect how law enforcement monitors and engages with protest movements, particularly those opposing large technology infrastructure or AI development. If you are involved in activism related to technology, data privacy, or labor rights, your activities may now be subject to increased scrutiny under this new framework. The broad language in the presidential memo regarding 'anti-American' beliefs may lead to a wider interpretation of what constitutes a domestic threat, which could impact civil liberties and freedom of expression.
What's Next
The circulation of these internal reports suggests federal agencies are likely to increase monitoring of anti-technology groups and protests. The public counterterrorism strategy and presidential memo could lead to new investigations or legal actions targeting individuals and organizations based on their stated beliefs. The full contents of the over 1,000 pages of reports obtained by WIRED may provide further details on the scope and methods of this new targeting, which could become public knowledge.