Recent public records request (PRR) documents have revealed that the Democrat-controlled Washington State Secretary of State (SOS) paid a significant amount of tax-payer money to an overseas Artificial Intelligence (AI) company based in the UK. The total amount, a staggering $147,600, was allocated to surveil individuals using social media platforms who question the partisan narrative of “Free and Fair” elections.
The company, named “Logically,” targets social media users and evaluates their posts for what they deem to be “Misinformation & Disinformation”. Once identified, Logically publishes and sends out regular “Threat Alerts” and bi-weekly “Narrative and Threat Reports” to the SOS based on its AI algorithm preferences.
This revelation raises significant concerns about freedom of speech rights and access to unbiased information. The fact that an AI entity and uninformed individuals are the ones deciding what constitutes truth, misinformation, and disinformation is deeply troubling.
The Surveilling of Elected Officials and Citizens
Many are concerned about the specific targeting of individuals by Logically, with top targets including Washington State Republican Party (WSRP) Chair / State Rep. Jim Walsh and various Substack articles, expressing concerns about government corruption and possible evidence of election/voter fraud. There is growing concern that this taxpayer-funded initiative may amount to an overreach of government surveillance and Democrat opposition research, adding to the existing concerns over invasion of privacy and suppression of free speech.
State Surveillance and Threat Alerts
Regular reports from Logically include alerts, briefings, and flagging of Conservative events, raising further questions about the limits of government surveillance and potential overreach in suppressing speech that doesn’t align with a particular narrative.
Inappropriate Use of Taxpayer Funds
This move has also raised questions about the legality and ethical implications of the Washington State SOS using tax-payer funds to support a one-sided narrative. With no evidence that the ISR was ever approved by the WA State Legislature, many are questioning the legitimacy and legality of this spending, calling it a form of election interference and manipulation.
Use of AI in Governance
The role of AI entities and the unchecked power they have in influencing political discourse is deeply concerning. The potential for these entities to engage in censorship and selective dissemination of information poses a major threat to free speech and democratic discourse. The impact of this AI surveillance and censorship could be wide-reaching, potentially influencing voter behavior and electoral outcomes.
The Need for Oversight and Accountability
With the potential for this issue to escalate, it becomes imperative to address the ethical, legal, and constitutional concerns surrounding government surveillance and AI influence. There is a pressing need for greater transparency, oversight, and accountability in how taxpayer funds are being used and how AI entities are influencing discourse and shaping narratives.
As the issues around government surveillance, AI influence, and censorship continue to unfold, it is essential to uphold the principles of free speech and democratic engagement. Without proper checks and balances, the use of AI in governance could lead to the suppression of dissenting voices and the manipulation of public opinion, undermining the very foundations of democracy. Greater scrutiny and public discourse are necessary to ensure that taxpayer money is not misused for political motivations and that all citizens can freely and openly engage in political dialogue.
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